Device for collecting silk of bagworm silk and method for producing long-sized bagworm silk

Abstract

The object of the present invention is to develop a method for preventing the change in the silk-spinning direction of bagworms, the detachment from a linear path, and efficiently collecting long-sized bagworm silk threads without inclusions while reducing the burden on bagworms, and an apparatus for realizing such a silk collection method. There is provided a silk collection apparatus for bagworm silk, which has a movable linear path that operates in the long-axis direction and a holder for fixing bagworms. The movable linear path has a width smaller than the maximum width of the outstretched feet of bagworms from left to right and is configured to be able to catch the feet of the bagworms. The holder is arranged at a position where a fixed bagworm can be caught by the movable linear path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for collecting silk from basket worm silk, a silk collection device using the method, and a method for producing long-sized basket worm silk. Background Art

[0002] Silk that forms the cocoons of insects and hair of mammals have been used as animal fibers for clothing and the like since ancient times. In particular, silk from silkworms, which are the larvae of the silkworm moth (Bombyx mori) (in this specification, often referred to as "silkworm silk"), has excellent moisture absorption and desorption properties, moisture retention properties, and heat retention properties. In addition, it has a unique luster and a smooth touch. Therefore, even now, it is highly regarded as a high-quality natural raw material.

[0003] In recent years, research has been underway to find animal fibers in nature that rival or have better excellent properties than silkworm silk and to utilize them as new natural raw materials.

[0004] Silk from spiders (in this specification, often referred to as "spider silk") is one of them. Spider silk not only has a high elastic force several times that of polystyrene, but also has softness and stretchability. Therefore, it is expected to be used as medical raw materials such as surgical sutures and special raw materials such as disaster prevention ropes / protective clothing (Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2). However, there are still many problems before the practical application of spider silk. First, since it is difficult to breed spiders in large numbers and to collect a large amount of silk from spiders, it is difficult to mass-produce, and the production cost is also high. Currently, this problem has been solved by making transgenic silkworms and Escherichia coli produce spider silk (Patent Document 1 and Non-Patent Document 2). However, transgenic organisms can only be bred and cultivated in facilities with predetermined equipment, and new problems such as a large burden on maintenance and management have emerged.

[0005] There are animal fibers in nature that have excellent mechanical properties compared to silkworm silk and spider silk. It is the silk spun by basket worms (Basket worm, alias "bag worm") (in this specification, often referred to as "basket worm silk"). For example, the elastic modulus of basket worm silk from the tea bagworm (Eumeta minuscula) is a very high strength that reaches 3.5 times that of silkworm silk and 2.5 times that of spider silk of the orb-weaving spider (Nephila clavata) (Non-Patent Documents 1 and 3). In addition, the cross-sectional area of a single fiber of basket worm silk is only about 1 / 7 of the cross-sectional area of a single fiber of silkworm silk. Therefore, the texture is delicate, it has a smooth touch, and it can be used to make lightweight fabrics. And basket worm silk has the same or better luster and brightness than silkworm silk.

[0006] In terms of management, the bagworm also has advantages. For example, silkworms, in principle, only feed on fresh mulberry leaves, so the breeding area and breeding period are affected by the supply area of mulberry leaves and the leafing period of mulberry trees. On the other hand, the bagworm is polyphagous, with low specificity for bait leaves, and many species can feed on the leaves of various tree species. Therefore, it is easy to obtain bait leaves, and there is no need to select a breeding area. In addition, depending on the species, the leaves of evergreen trees can also be used as bait leaves. Unlike the deciduous mulberry tree, they can supply bait leaves throughout the year. Moreover, the size of the bagworm is smaller than that of the silkworm, so a breeding space equal to or less than that of the silkworm is sufficient, and it is also easy to breed in large quantities. Therefore, compared with silkworms, the breeding cost can be significantly reduced. Moreover, bagworm silk can be directly selected from wild-type bagworms, without the need for the production of transgenic organisms and special maintenance management equipment like that of spider silk.

[0007] As described above, bagworm silk has characteristics superior to those of conventional animal fibers, and there are also many advantages in terms of management and production. Therefore, it can become a very promising new natural raw material.

[0008] However, there are several problems to be solved in the practical application of bagworm silk. One of them is that it is difficult to obtain long-sized fibers required for utilization as fibers from bagworms. In the case of silkworms, cocoon formation is carried out by continuous silk spinning. Therefore, if the cocoon is refined and reeled, long-sized fibers can be obtained relatively easily. On the other hand, bagworms pupate in the nests where they live during the larval stage, so they do not carry out cocoon formation actions before pupation. In addition, the nests of bagworms, in principle, increase in number as they grow from the first instar, and the nests contain a mixture of new and old silk. Moreover, at one end of the long axis of the bagworm nest, there is an opening for the bagworm's head and a part of its chest to be exposed for movement and feeding, and there is also an excretory pore for excreting feces, etc. at the other end. That is to say, since there are always two holes in the nest, the silk is fragmented and becomes discontinuous inside the nest. In this way, the bagworm nest itself is composed of intertwined short silk threads, and usually, there are no long-sized fibers exceeding 1 m inside the nest. In addition, in the existing technology, spinning can only be started from the innermost layer with less adhesive substance attached to the surrounding of the silk, but at most, silk with a length of less than 50 cm can be obtained from this innermost layer.

[0009] In the practical application of bagworm silk, there is another problem that leaves, twig pieces, etc. are inevitably attached to the surface of the bagworm nest. In order to commercialize bagworm silk products, these inclusions must be completely removed. However, the removal operation requires a great deal of effort and cost, resulting in an increase in production cost. In addition, it is difficult to completely remove the inclusions in the existing technology. In addition to tiny leaves, etc. being mixed in the final product, the silk is also dyed light brown, etc. by the pigments of the inclusions themselves, resulting in low-quality products.

[0010] For the reasons described above, it is almost impossible to obtain meter-scale bagworm silk from single fibers in the existing technology. Therefore, there has been no report of a fabric woven with bagworm silk so far. In fact, conventional products such as wallets and straw sandals made from bagworm silk are merely non-woven fabrics in which inclusions such as leaves and twigs are removed from the bagworm's nest and the shaped products after unfolding are sewn together like a patchwork.

[0011] Therefore, in order to put bagworm silk into practical use as a new biological raw material, it is necessary to develop a method for producing pure and long-sized bagworm silk without inclusions.

[0012] The present inventors actively studied to solve the above problems and as a result, developed a method for growing and recovering bagworm support silk, which is silk spun by bagworms as a footrest to leaves and twigs to prevent them from falling from branches. This method utilizes the property that if bagworms are placed on a linear path with a specific width, the bagworms continuously spin support silk along the linear path. By this method, it was possible to successfully and stably mass-produce meter-scale continuous pure bagworm silk, which was previously considered impossible. Then, the present inventors filed a patent application (Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-110003) based on this method.

[0013] The above method is an epoch-making method as a method for producing long-sized bagworm silk, but at the same time, new problems were found. One is the problem of the endurance of bagworms. In the case of bagworms, in order to spin silk while maintaining the state of the nest, in addition to the energy for spinning silk, energy for supporting the nest is also required. Therefore, spinning silk for a long time in a single silk collection process imposes a great burden on bagworms. In addition, in principle, bagworms placed on a linear path spin silk in a constant traveling direction along the linear path, but due to the high degree of freedom of bagworms, sometimes bagworms change their traveling direction or deviate from the linear path. The change in the traveling direction causes the silk to tangle and break during recovery. Moreover, in the case of bagworm silk stacked on a circular linear path, sometimes the silk strands aggregated by the adhesive substance are firmly bonded to each other, making it difficult to recover from the linear path and refine by removing the adhesive substance.

[0014] Prior Art Documents

[0015] Patent Documents

[0016] Patent Document 1: WO2012 / 165477

[0017] Non-Patent Documents

[0018] Non-Patent Document 1: Shigeaki Osaki, 2002, Journal of the Fiber Society (Fibers and Industry), 58: 74-78

[0019] Non-Patent Document 2: Kuwana Y, et al., 2014, PLoS One, DOI: 10.1371 / journal.pone.0105325

[0020] Non-Patent Document 3: Gosline J.M. et al., 1999, 202, 3295 - 3303 Summary of the Invention

[0021] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0022] The problem of the present invention is to develop a method for preventing the change of the spinning direction, the detachment of the bagworm from the linear path, and efficiently collecting long-sized bagworm silk without inclusions while reducing the burden on the bagworm, and an apparatus for realizing this silk collection method.

[0023] Means for Solving the Problems

[0024] Regarding the above new problems, the present inventors further studied, and as a result, successfully developed a production method for long-sized bagworm silk for solving this problem and an apparatus for realizing this method. This time, in the newly developed production method and silk collection apparatus, both the silk collection from the bagworm silk to the recovery can be automated, and moreover, the silk collection process and the recovery process can be carried out simultaneously. The present invention is based on this development result and provides the following solutions.

[0025] (1) An apparatus for collecting bagworm silk, comprising a movable linear path that operates in the long axis direction and a holder for fixing the bagworm; the movable linear path has a width smaller than the maximum width of the outstretched feet of the bagworm fixed to the holder, and is configured to be able to catch the feet of the bagworm; the holder is arranged at a position where the fixed bagworm can be caught by the movable linear path.

[0026] (2) The silk collection apparatus according to (1), further comprising one or more strippers; the stripper is configured to store a stripping liquid and / or vapor for stripping the spun bagworm silk from the movable linear path, and is arranged at a position where a part of the movable linear path can contact the stripping liquid and / or vapor in the stripper.

[0027] (3) The silk collection apparatus according to (2), further comprising a collector; the collector is configured to collect the bagworm silk stripped from the movable linear path.

[0028] (4) The silk collection apparatus according to (2) or (3), further comprising one or more wire hangers; the wire hanger is configured to be able to change the feeding direction of the bagworm silk stripped from the movable linear path.

[0029] (5) The silk harvesting device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the movable linear path is an annular linear path.

[0030] (6) The silk harvesting device according to (5), wherein the movable linear path is circular in shape.

[0031] (7) The silk harvesting device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the movable linear path is an automatic linear path.

[0032] (8) The silk harvesting device according to any one of (3) to (7), wherein the collector has a wire winding part on its outer peripheral part; the wire winding part is configured to be able to wind the harvested bagworm silk.

[0033] (9) The silk harvesting device according to (8), wherein the wire winding part has one or more concave-convex parts along the winding direction; the concave-convex parts are configured to be able to accommodate the harvested bagworm silk in the concave parts.

[0034] (10) The silk harvesting device according to any one of (5) to (9), configured such that the rotation of the movable linear path and the collector is synchronized.

[0035] (11) A method for harvesting bagworm silk from bagworms, including a silk spinning step of causing the feet of the bagworms used to be caught on a linear path and continuously spinning silk along the linear path, the linear path having a width smaller than the maximum width of the outstretched feet of the bagworms from left to right and being able to catch the feet of the bagworms; in the silk spinning step, the bagworms used or the bagworm nest is fixed at a position where the bagworms can catch their feet on the linear path, and the linear path moves in the long axis direction by automatic and / or the movement of the bagworms.

[0036] (12) A method for producing long-sized bagworm silk, including: a silk spinning step of causing the feet of the bagworms used for silk harvesting to be caught on a linear path and continuously spinning silk along the linear path, the linear path having a width smaller than the maximum width of the outstretched feet of the bagworms from left to right and being able to catch the feet of the bagworms; a contact step of bringing the bagworm silk on the linear path into contact with a stripping liquid and / or vapor; and a recovery step of stripping and recovering the bagworm silk from the linear path after the contact step; in the silk spinning step, the bagworms used or the bagworm nest is fixed at a position where the bagworms can catch their feet on the linear path, and the linear path moves in the long axis direction by automatic and / or the movement of the bagworms.

[0037] (13) The method according to (12), further including a refining step of refining the bagworm silk during the contact step, during the recovery step, and / or after the recovery step.

[0038] (14) The method as described in (12) or (13) further includes a silk-twisting process of twisting the bagworm silk after the recycling process and / or after the refining process.

[0039] (15) The method as described in any one of (11) to (14), wherein the linear path is circular.

[0040] This specification includes the disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-227669, which is the basis of the priority of this application.

[0041] Advantages of the Invention

[0042] According to the method for collecting bagworm silk of the present invention, it is possible to make the bagworm spin silk only in a constant direction without imposing a load on the bagworm to support the nest.

[0043] According to the method for producing long-sized bagworm silk of the present invention, it is possible to easily and efficiently collect pure long-sized bagworm silk from bagworms with almost no physical damage to the spun bagworm silk.

[0044] According to the bagworm silk collection device of the present invention, it is possible to automate the collection to recycling of long-sized bagworm silk. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Figure 1 (a) is an external view of the nest of the bagworm of Clania variegata (Clania variegata bagworm). (b) is a view showing the inside of the nest when the nest of the Clania variegata bagworm is cut in the long-axis direction and divided into two. The insect in the center is the larva of Clania variegata, that is, the Clania variegata bagworm. (c) is a view showing the silk-spinning behavior of the Clania variegata bagworm during movement. It can be seen how the bagworm advances while spinning the support silk (triangle mark), how the claws hook the spun support silk (thin arrow), and how a hole is formed at one end of the nest to expose a part of the body during movement (thick arrow).

[0046] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the silk collection device of the present invention. (a) shows the front view, and (b) shows the top view.

[0047] In Figure 3 , A: is a schematic diagram of the linear path in the silk collection device of the present invention. In this figure, a linear path with a circular cross-section is shown. In the figure, L represents the length of the long axis of the linear path, and φ represents the cross-sectional diameter of the linear path. In this linear path, φ corresponds to the width of the linear path. B: is a rear view of the head and chest of a bagworm with its legs spread out to the maximum width to the left and right. In the figure, FL represents the front leg, ML represents the middle leg, and RL represents the rear leg. In addition, W1 represents the maximum leg spread width of the middle leg, and W2 represents the maximum leg spread width of the rear leg.

[0048] Figure 4 The figures show a specific example of the annular linear path in the silk picking device of the present invention. (a) shows the outer edge of the disk (0401), (b) shows the rim (0402), and (c) shows the linear path (0403) formed by the inner wall surface of the tube.

[0049] Figure 5 The present invention is a schematic diagram of a fixture in a silk-picking device. (a) shows a structure for holding a fixture object with a plurality of claw-like parts, (b) shows a tubular structure for embedding a fixture object, and (c) shows a structure for combining (including attaching and suturing) a fixture object with a supporting body.

[0050] Figure 6 The figures show the shape examples of the wire winding part provided on the outer peripheral part of the recovery device. (a) shows a disk shape, and (b) shows a cylindrical shape. The projections (0601) arranged at the ends of the wire winding part are shown respectively.

[0051] Figure 7 The figures show configuration examples of the circular linear road and the collector, (a) shows the case where the rotation plane (0702) of the circular linear road (0701) and the rotation plane (0704) of the collector (0703) are parallel to each other. (a) is also an example of a coaxial structure of the collector and the circular linear road. (b) shows the case where the rotation plane (0702) of the circular linear road (0701) and the rotation plane (0704) of the collector (0703) are perpendicular to each other. (c) shows the case where the rotation plane (0702) of the circular linear road (0701) and the rotation plane (0704) of the collector (0703) are arranged on the same plane.

[0052] Figure 8 The figures show examples of shapes of the thread-hanging device. (a) shows a pulley, (b) shows a thread-reeling drum, (c) shows a hook, and (d) shows a silk hook.

[0053] Figure 9 It is a basic process flow chart of the method for producing long-sized bagworm silk of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 10 It is a diagram of a silk-picking device for bagworm silk produced in this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] 1. Silk collection device for bagworm silk

[0056] 1-1. Overview

[0057] The first scheme of the present invention is a silk-picking device for bagworm silk. The silk-picking device of the present invention has a movable linear path and a fixer as necessary components, and also has a stripper, a recycler, and a silk-hanging device as optional components. According to the silk-picking device of the present invention, the bagworm is not subjected to the load of supporting the nest, and the freedom of the bagworm is limited to a necessary range, so that the bagworm can always spin silk in a constant direction. In addition, according to the embodiment, the silk-picking and recycling of long-sized bagworm silk can be automated. Moreover, the silk-picking process and the recycling process can be implemented simultaneously, so that the production efficiency of long-sized bagworm silk and the reduction of manufacturing costs accompanying this can be achieved.

[0058] 1-2. Definition

[0059] The following terms frequently used in this specification are defined as follows.

[0060] "Bagworms" is a general term for the larvae of moths belonging to the family Psychidae in the order Lepidoptera. Moths of the family Psychidae are distributed all over the world, and the larvae of any one of them live in nests that sew natural raw materials such as leaves and branches together with the silk they spit out throughout the larval stage. Figure 1 As shown in (a), the nest is a bag that can wrap the whole body, and it can be fusiform, cylindrical, conical, etc. Figure 1 (b) shows that the bagworm lurks in the nest, always moves with the nest when eating and moving, and pupates in principle in the nest. In this manual, when it is only recorded as a "nest", it means the nest of the bagworm unless otherwise specified.

[0061] The bagworms used in this specification are the larvae of moths belonging to the Psychidae family. As long as they are the species that construct the nests, there are no restrictions on the species, instar, and gender. For example, in the Psychidae family, there are genera such as Acanthopsyche, Anatolopsyche, Bacotia, Bambalina, Canephora, Chalioides, Dahlica, Diplodoma, Eumeta, Eumasia, Kozhantshikovia, Mahasena, Nipponopsyche, Paranarychia, Proutia, Psyche, Pteroma, Siederia, Striglocyrbasia, Taleporia, Theriodopteryx, Trigonodoma, etc. However, the bagworms used in this specification can belong to the species of any genus. As specific examples of the species of bagworms, there are Eumeta japonica, Eumeta minuscula, and Nipponopsyche fuscescens. The instar of the larvae can be any instar from the first instar to the last instar. However, if the purpose is to obtain coarser and longer bagworm silk, larger bagworms are preferred. For example, if they are of the same species, the later instar larvae are more preferred, and if they are of different genders, larger females are more preferred. In addition, within the Psychidae family, larger species are more preferred. Therefore, Eumeta japonica and Eumeta minuscula are preferred species as the bagworms used in the present invention.

[0062] In this specification, "silk" refers to the silk from insects, which is a protein-based silk spit out by insect larvae and adults for purposes such as nest building, movement, fixation, cocoon making, and prey capture. When only "silk" is recorded in this specification, unless otherwise specified, it means bagworm silk.

[0063] In this specification, "bagworm silk" refers to the silk from bagworms. The bagworm silk in this specification includes single fibers, spun fibers, and aggregated fibers.

[0064] In this specification, "single fiber" is the smallest unit of the fiber component and is also called monofilament. The single fiber is mainly composed of a silk protein-like protein that constitutes the silk. Bagworm silk is spit out as a difilament formed by the combination of 2 single fibers through a proteinaceous binding substance in its natural state. This spit-out difilament is called "spun fiber". By refining the spun fiber, the binding substance is removed, and single fibers can be obtained.

[0065] In this specification, "collective fiber" is a fiber composed of multiple fiber bundles, also known as multifilament. "Collective fiber" is so-called raw silk, which in principle consists of multiple single fibers. In this specification, it also includes cases composed of multiple single fibers and spinning fibers, or composed of multiple spinning fibers. The collective fiber in this specification can also include mixed fibers mixed with fibers other than bagworm silk such as silk worm silk in its scope, but unless otherwise specified, it means a collective fiber composed only of bagworm silk. The collective fiber is twisted by twisting silk to become stronger silk. However, the collective fiber in this specification includes not only twisted silk fibers but also untwisted silk fibers showing a soft and smooth touch.

[0066] There are support silk and nest silk in bagworm silk. "Support silk" is the silk spit out by the bagworm before moving, and has the function of preventing it from falling from branches, leaves, etc. as a support (footing) when moving. As shown in Figure 1 (c), the bagworm usually uses this support silk as a footrest and moves in the traveling direction while hooking the claws of both feet. Regarding the support silk, the bagworm spits silk while swinging its head left and right, and every time it turns back, it fixes the silk to the branches and leaves as the base with the aforementioned bonding substance, so it usually spits silk in a zigzag shape. With this structure, it is easy for the bagworm to hook its left and right feet to the support silk, and the fixing part of the silk and the load on the silk are dispersed to the left and right. On the other hand, "nest silk" is the silk that makes up the nest, and is spit out to piece together leaves, branches, or to make the inner wall of the nest as a living area a comfortable environment. In principle, the support silk is thicker and stronger mechanically than the nest silk.

[0067] In this specification, "long size" means a situation longer than the normal length in this field. In this specification, it especially means a situation longer than the length of the spinning fiber that can be obtained from bagworms in the prior art (less than 1 m). Specifically, it is 1 m or more, preferably 2 m or more, more preferably 3 m or more, 4 m or more, 5 m or more, 6 m or more, 7 m or more, 8 m or more, 9 m or more, or 10 m or more. There is no particular limitation on the upper limit, but it corresponds to the length of the silk that the bagworm can continuously spit. For example, it is 1.5 km or less, 1 km or less, 900 m or less, 800 m or less, 700 m or less, 600 m or less, 500 m or less, 400 m or less, 300 m or less, 200 m or less, or 100 m or less. The length of the spinning fiber of bagworm silk is also the length of the single fiber that constitutes it, corresponding to the length of the silk that the bagworm continuously spits. Therefore, as long as the bagworm can continuously spit silk, longer-sized bagworm silk can be obtained.

[0068] In this specification, "silk collection" means causing the bagworm to spit out silk for the purpose of obtaining bagworm silk. However, in the case of the silk collection device of the present invention, "silk collection" not only includes the meaning of silk spitting, but also includes the meaning of recovering the spit silk. In addition, in this specification, the bagworm silk to be the object of silk collection is the support silk.

[0069] In this specification, "foot" refers to all or a part of the foot of the bagworm. In the chest of the bagworm, as shown by the arrow in Figure 1 (c), there are feet called thoracic limbs. The thoracic limbs are composed of 3 on one side (forefoot, midfoot, and hindfoot), a total of 6 in 3 pairs on the left and right.

[0070] "Catching" generally means hooking and fixing, but in this specification, it means that the bagworm hooks its foot on the linear path in order to move on the linear path. The bagworm usually catches its foot on a twig or leaf to support all or part of the weight of itself and the nest. That is, catching includes the meaning of preventing itself including the nest from falling, but in the present invention, the bagworm is fixed, so there is no need to support its own weight. Therefore, the catching described in this specification does not include the meaning of supporting its own weight in principle. In addition, catching and releasing it are at the discretion of the bagworm, and it does not mean that the temporarily caught foot is fixed at that position. The bagworm can move freely on the linear path by repeatedly catching and releasing its foot.

[0071] 1 - 3. Constitution

[0072] Figure 2 The schematic diagram showing the silk collection device of the present invention is shown. As shown in this figure, the silk collection device (0200) of the present invention has a movable linear path (0201) and a fixator (0202) as essential constituent elements, and has a stripper (0203), a collector (0204), and a silk hanging device (0205) as optional constituent elements. Hereinafter, each constituent will be described.

[0073] 1 - 3 - 1. Movable linear path

[0074] The "movable linear path" (0201) is a linear path that moves in the long axis direction and is an essential constituent element in the silk collection device of the present invention. If necessary, the movable linear path may have a ratchet (0206).

[0075] (1) Constitution of the linear path

[0076] In this specification, the "linear path" is a walking path for the bagworm showing a linear form. In this specification, the "linear form" means a single track form having the same or the same degree of width. Its cross-sectional shape is not particularly limited, but examples include a circular shape, a substantially circular shape (including an elliptical shape), a polygonal shape (square, substantially square), or a combined shape thereof.

[0077] The width of the linear path is configured to be shorter than the maximum extended foot width of the bagworm applicable to the silk-winding device of the present invention. In this specification, the "width of the linear path" refers to the length of the part directly involved in the engagement when the foot of the bagworm catches on the linear path in the linear path. This is roughly equivalent to the length of the minor axis of the linear path. The upper limit of the width of the linear path is a length less than the maximum extended foot width of the bagworm used in the silk-winding device of the present invention. On the other hand, the lower limit is not particularly limited as long as the bagworm can catch its foot. For example, it can be the edge of a thin sheet metal with a thickness of about 0.5 mm. In the linear path shown in Figure 3 A, the diameter (φ) of the cross-section corresponds to the width of the linear path.

[0078] In this specification, the "maximum extended foot width of the bagworm" refers to the width (W1 and W2) when the bagworm shown in Figure 3 B extends its left and right feet to the maximum extent to the left and right. The bagworm has three pairs of left and right feet (front feet, middle feet, and rear feet), and the maximum extended foot width is preferably the width other than the longest (widest) extended foot width among them, that is, the second-longest extended foot width or the shortest extended foot width. More preferably, it is the shortest (narrowest) extended foot width. In Figure 3 B, among the three pairs, the maximum extended foot width (W1) of the middle feet (ML) is the widest, and the maximum extended foot width (W2) of the rear feet (RL) is the shortest. Therefore, when determining the width of the linear path, the maximum extended foot width of the bagworm is preferably the maximum extended foot width of the front feet or the rear feet, especially W2 which is the maximum extended foot width of the rear feet. This maximum extended foot width varies depending on the species, gender, and instar of the bagworm, etc., but if it is the same species of bagworm and the same degree of instar, it is roughly within a certain range. For example, if it is a young instar bagworm (about 1 - 3 instars) of the Clania variegata, it is in the range of 2 mm - 4 mm or 3 mm - 5 mm. If it is a middle instar bagworm (about 4 - 5 instars), it is in the range of 3 mm - 7 mm or 4 mm - 8 mm. If it is a sub-final instar or final instar bagworm, it is in the range of 4 mm - 9 mm, 5 mm - 10 mm, or 6 mm - 12 mm. In addition, if it is a young instar bagworm (about 1 - 3 instars) of the Metisa plana, it is in the range of 1.5 mm - 3.5 mm. If it is a middle instar bagworm, it is in the range of 2.5 mm - 6 mm or 3 mm - 7 mm. If it is a sub-final instar or final instar bagworm, it is in the range of 3.5 mm - 8 mm, 4 mm - 9 mm, or 5 mm - 10 mm. Therefore, the width of the linear path can be appropriately changed according to the species, instar, or gender of the bagworm used. From the relationship with the engagement of the foot described below, the width of the linear path is preferably shorter than the shortest (narrowest) length in the range of the maximum extended foot width of each instar of the species of bagworm used.

[0079] The linear path is configured such that the foot of the bagworm can be caught. "Can catch the foot" means that the bagworm can hook its foot on the structure of the linear path. Any foot that is caught on the linear path can be used. For example, there can be a case where at least one foot on each of the left and right sides among 3 pairs of 6 bagworm feet catches the linear path with the linear path sandwiched therebetween, or a case where 2 or 3 feet on either the left or right side catch the linear path in a straddling manner. As long as the bagworm can catch its foot on the linear path, it can move along the linear path while spitting out the support silk thread.

[0080] There are no particular limitations on the overall shape and length of the linear path. It can be a linear path with ends, or it can be a circular linear path without ends. In the case of aiming to collect long-sized silk threads, if it is a linear path with ends, the longer the linear path, the more preferable. On the other hand, if the linear path is a circular linear path without ends, since long-sized silk threads can be obtained by having the bagworm circle around on the linear path, the length of the linear path can be limited. In order for the bagworm to continuously spit silk, the linear path is preferably a circular linear path without ends. In the case of a circular linear path, whether the circular part is a closed loop or an open loop is acceptable. However, in the case of an open loop, the gap at the open loop part should be wide enough for the bagworm in use to cross. Such gaps can exist in multiple parts of the open-loop linear path. Additionally, the overall shape of the circular linear path includes circular shape, approximately circular shape, square shape, approximately square shape, polygonal shape, irregular shape, and combinations thereof. Preferably, it is a circular circular linear path or an elliptical circular linear path with an approximately circular shape.

[0081] As a specific example of the circular circular linear path, there can be cited Figure 4 the outer edge part (0401) of the disk as shown in (a), Figure 4 the rim part (0402) as shown in (b), or Figure 4 the linear path (0403) formed by the inner wall surface part of the tube as shown in (c).

[0082] The linear path formed by the outer edge part (0401) of the disk means the linear path formed by the outer peripheral part of a circular plate-like component. At this time, the thickness of the disk corresponds to the width of the linear path. The disk diameter φ is not limited, and it is preferably in the range of 5 cm to 50 cm, 10 cm to 30 cm, 15 cm to 25 cm, or 17 cm to 20 cm.

[0083] The linear path formed by the rim part (0402) means the linear path formed by circularizing a rod-like component such as a wire. At this time, the diameter or the short-axis width of the rod-like component corresponds to the width of the linear path. The wheel diameter φ is not limited, but similar to the disk diameter, it is preferably in the range of 5 cm to 50 cm, 10 cm to 30 cm, 15 cm to 25 cm, or 17 cm to 20 cm.

[0084] The linear path (0403) formed by the inner wall surface of the tube refers to a linear path formed by a portion of the inner wall surface of the tube. The portion is formed as an annular protrusion along the inner circumference of the tube, and has a structure whose short axis width is the width of the linear path. The inner circumference φ of the tube is not limited, and is preferably in the range of 10cm to 60cm, 15cm to 50cm, 20cm to 40cm, or 25cm to 30cm.

[0085] The raw material of the linear path is not limited. For example, metal, pottery (including enamel), glass, stone, resin (including synthetic resin and natural resin), wooden material (including branches, vines, bamboo, etc.), fiber, bone, tooth, or a combination thereof can be used. It is preferred that the raw material has a strength that is not damaged by the bite force of the bagworm. For example, metal, pottery, glass, stone, etc. are suitable. In addition, in order to facilitate the recovery of the spitted bagworm silk, the part to which the bagworm silk is attached is preferably a smooth raw material. The "smooth raw material" mentioned here refers to a raw material such as metal, glass, and plastic that is processed to make the raw material itself smooth. In addition, it also includes raw materials such as wooden materials and fibers that are difficult to finish to a smooth surface but can be formed into a smooth surface by covering the surface with a coating or the like. In the case where the linear path is the outer edge of a plate-like component, the raw materials of the plate-like component and the outer edge may be the same or different.

[0086] There can be multiple linear paths in the silk collection device. The shapes, raw materials and other conditions of each linear path can be the same, or different, or can also be a combination of them. An example is a linear path composed of the outer edge of a plurality of coaxial disks arranged in parallel. In a silk collection device having such a linear path, by fixing a plurality of bagworms to each linear path, it is also possible to twist and recycle the silk immediately after simultaneously collecting a plurality of bagworm silks.

[0087] In the silk picking device of the present invention, the linear path may have an inclination relative to the horizontal plane. The inclination angle is not limited. For example, in the case where the linear path is formed by the outer edge of the disk, if the plane portion of the disk member as the base is configured to be horizontal, the inclination angle of the linear path is 0 degrees. On the other hand, if the plane portion of the disk member is configured to be vertical, the linear path can include all inclination angles.

[0088] (2) Structure of the movable linear path

[0089] The "movable linear path" is configured so that the linear path moves in the long axis direction. The "long axis direction" referred to here is the direction along the long axis of the linear path. For example, in the case where the linear path is a circular ring linear path formed by the outer edge of a disk, the disk member has a structure in which the entire disk member can rotate.

[0090] The movable linear path is not limited and is configured to move in synchronization with the movement of the bagworm while the bagworm spins silk on the linear path and moves in the traveling direction. Therefore, the force required for the start action of the linear path is set to be less than the moving driving force generated when the bagworm moves on the linear path. As the power for driving the linear path, the moving driving force of the bagworm, electric power, etc. can be cited.

[0091] The "moving driving force of the bagworm" is the driving force generated when the bagworm moves along the linear path. In the silk collection device of the present invention, the bagworm is fixed by a holder described later. Therefore, even if the bagworm spins silk and moves on the linear path, it does not substantially move forward in the traveling direction. The moving driving force generated by the movement of the bagworm can be used as a force acting in the direction opposite to the traveling direction of the bagworm to drive the linear path. In this specification, this force is described as the moving driving force of the bagworm.

[0092] On the other hand, in the case of electric power, it is configured to be able to automatically drive the linear path via a motor, gears, etc. The moving direction of this automatic linear path is the direction opposite to the traveling direction of the bagworm. In addition, the moving speed of the linear path is preferably equal to or less than the moving speed of the bagworm. The specific moving speed of the bagworm varies depending on the type, age, individual size, etc. of the bagworm, and is usually in the range of 3 m / hr to 15 m / hr, and in the fastest case, in the range of 17 m / hr to 22 m / hr. Therefore, even in the case of the automatic linear path, the moving speed (v) is preferably set to be below these speeds. For example, it is preferably set to 0 m / hr < v ≤ 22 m / hr, 0 m / hr < v ≤ 20 m / hr, 0 m / hr < v ≤ 17 m / hr, 0 m / hr < v ≤ 15 m / hr, 0 m / hr < v ≤ 12 m / hr, 0 m / hr < v ≤ 10 m / hr, 0 m / hr < v ≤ 8 m / hr, 0 m / hr < v ≤ 5 m / hr, 0 m / hr < v ≤ 4 m / hr, or 0 m / hr < v ≤ 3 m / hr. In addition, even in the case of the automatic linear path, when collecting silk, the moving driving force of the bagworm acts on the linear path at the same time. That is, the automatic linear path is a mechanism for assisting the movement of the bagworm. In this case, since the driving force of the automatic linear path is applied, the burden on the movement of the bagworm can be significantly reduced.

[0093] (3) Ratchet

[0094] The movable linear path may have a "ratchet" (0206) as an optional component. The "ratchet" is a part for restricting the action direction to one direction. Although not limited, it generally consists of a gear with teeth inclined in a constant direction and a pawl arranged to straddle the teeth. When the gear rotates in reverse, the pawl engages with the teeth of the gear, so that the gear can only rotate in a constant direction.

[0095] In the silk collection device of the present invention, by synchronizing the movements of the movable linear path and the gear, the movable linear path can only move in one direction. For example, when the movable linear path is constituted by the outer extension of a disk, by making the disk and the gear coaxial, the disk can only rotate in the direction in which the ratchet can rotate. By having this part, even when the bagworm caught on the movable linear path retreats, the linear path does not move, so the silk-spinning direction does not change and can always be kept in a constant direction.

[0096] 1-3-2. Structure of the fixator

[0097] The "fixator" (0202) is a device for fixing the bagworm used in silk collection, and is an essential component in the silk collection device of the present invention. The fixator is configured to be able to fix the bagworm at a predetermined position within the silk collection device of the present invention. By the fixator, the bagworm is restricted from freely moving within the device according to its own will except for moving on the linear path and entering and exiting the nest. Thereby, it is possible to restrict the change of the moving direction of the bagworm during silk collection and the detachment from the linear path.

[0098] The fixing method is not limited. Examples include Figure 5 the structure in which a plurality of claw-shaped members hold the object to be fixed as shown in (a), Figure 5 the tubular structure in which the object to be fixed is inserted as shown in (b), Figure 5 the structure in which the object to be fixed is combined (including attached and sewn) to the support as shown in (c), etc., but as long as the object can be fixed, any configuration can be used. When fixing the bagworm, in order to prevent excessive load and pressure on the bagworm as the object to be fixed, a fixing adjustment part for finely adjusting the fixing force may also be provided.

[0099] The object to be fixed is the nest of the bagworm (on the premise that there is a bagworm inside) or the bagworm body itself. Preferably, it is the nest. This is because if the bagworm separated from the nest remains in a naked state, it will be in an overly tense state, and there is a possibility of affecting the silk-spinning amount and silk-spinning efficiency.

[0100] Within the silk collection device of the present invention, the fixator is arranged at a position where the fixed bagworm can catch on the aforementioned movable linear path. The fixing part may also have a position adjustment part for finely adjusting the position of the bagworm so that the feet of the bagworm can just catch on the linear path at this time in the front-back, left-right directions.

[0101] 1-3-3. Structure of the stripper

[0102] The "stripper" (0203) is a device that can store stripping liquid and / or vapor. It is an optional component in the silk collection device of the present invention, but it is preferably provided for producing long-sized bagworm silk.

[0103] In the silk collection device of the present invention, the stripper is configured such that a part of the movable linear path can come into contact with the stripping liquid and / or vapor inside the stripper.

[0104] There is no limitation on the shape and size of the stripper. For example, a large stripper such as a storage tank having a size such that a part of the movable linear path can be immersed in the stored liquid in the stripper (0203) or a storage chamber having a size such that a part of the movable linear path can be exposed to the vapor inside the stripper, and a small or medium-sized stripper such as a container that can drip or spray the stored liquid or vapor inside the stripper onto a part of the movable linear path can be cited.

[0105] The raw material of the stripper is not limited as long as it is a material that the stripper, especially its inner wall, is not dissolved, corroded, or modified by the stripping liquid and vapor. It can be appropriately determined according to the type of the stored stripping liquid and vapor. For example, if high-temperature and high-pressure vapor is stored, metals such as copper and stainless steel are preferred. Additionally, if a stripping liquid composed of an aqueous solution containing a surfactant is stored, plastics, pottery (enamel), glass, etc. are preferred.

[0106] The stripper can have a supply port for supplying the stripping liquid and / or vapor into the stripper and / or a discharge port for discharging the stripping liquid and / or vapor from the stripper. Additionally, it can have an inlet for supplying the stripping liquid into the stripper and / or a discharge port for discharging the stripping liquid from the stripper.

[0107] In the silk collection device of the present invention, one or more strippers can be provided. In the case of having multiple strippers, the shape and size of each stripper can be the same, different, or a combination thereof. For example, one container-shaped stripper and three storage tank-shaped strippers can be provided. Additionally, in the case of having multiple strippers, various conditions such as the type, capacity, and temperature of the stripping liquid and vapor stored in each stripper can also be independently determined according to each stripper. For example, a container-shaped stripper storing vapor and a storage tank-shaped stripper storing an immersion liquid can be provided.

[0108] The stripping liquid and vapor stored in the stripper have the function of stripping the Antheraea yamamai silk from the movable linear path or promoting the stripping. When the Antheraea yamamai silk is spun, the fiber component (fibroin protein) of the silk is fixed to the movable linear path by the adhesive substance (sericin-like protein) secreted together. Therefore, the said function is a function of making the adhesive effect of this adhesive substance disappear or decrease. In addition to the said function, it is desirable that the stripping liquid and vapor also have the property of not causing chemical and / or physical damage to the Antheraea yamamai silk, or being difficult to cause chemical and / or physical damage to the Antheraea yamamai silk. Furthermore, the adhesive substance is composed of a water-soluble protein.

[0109] The stripping liquid and vapor are not limited as long as they have the above functions and properties. For example, if it is a stripping liquid, it is not limited, but water or an aqueous solution is preferred. Examples of the aqueous solution include a surfactant solution, a buffer solution, and a sodium bicarbonate solution. The preferred stripping liquid is water or a surfactant solution with a water temperature of 20 °C or higher, 25 °C or higher, 30 °C or higher, or 45 °C or higher.

[0110] "Surfactant solution" refers to a solution in which a surfactant is dissolved in an appropriate solvent. Examples of the solvent include water (including distilled water, sterilized water, and deionized water), physiological saline, or a phosphate buffer solution. Water is preferred. The concentration of the surfactant in the solution is not limited, and it is preferably 0.01% to 10%, 0.05% to 5%, 0.1% to 2%, or 0.5% to 1% by volume.

[0111] The surfactant used in the surfactant solution is not particularly limited. For example, it can be a nonionic surfactant such as Triton X-100, Triton X-114, NP-40, Brij-35, Brij-58, Tween-20, Tween-80, octyl-β-glucoside, or OTG, a polymeric nonionic surfactant such as a copolymer of PEG and PPG, an anionic surfactant such as SDS, an amphoteric ionic surfactant such as CHAPS or CHAPSO, or any combination thereof.

[0112] In addition, the vapor can be water vapor.

[0113] 1-3-4. Structure of the collector

[0114] The "collector" (0204) is a device that can recover the bagworm silk stripped from the movable linear path. It is an optional component in the silk harvesting device of the present invention, but it is preferably provided for producing long-sized bagworm silk.

[0115] The structure of the collector is not limited as long as it can collect and hold the stripped bagworm silk. A structure having a wire winding part is preferred.

[0116] The "wire winding part" is a part of the collector and is configured to wind (reel) the recovered silk around its outer periphery. In addition, it can be configured to rotate itself for winding the silk. The driving force for rotation can be obtained, for example, by electricity using a motor or the like. In addition, it can also be obtained by the moving driving force generated when the bagworm moves on the linear path. The moving driving force can be obtained, for example, Figure 7 by making the annular linear path coaxial with the collector as in (a), or by transmitting the movement of the movable linear path to the collector via gears (including worm gears), belts (including timing belts), etc.

[0117] The shape of the wire winding part is not particularly limited as long as the wire can be wound around the outer circumference. For example, it can be any one of a disc shape, a cylindrical shape, a prismatic shape (including the long axis side parts of the prism formed by a plurality of rod-shaped members), a plate shape, or a combination thereof.

[0118] Raw materials for the wire winding part can utilize, for example, metals, resins (including synthetic resins and natural resins), wood materials (including branches, vines, bamboo, etc.), pottery, stones, or combinations thereof. In order to prevent damage to the already wound bagworm silk, raw materials capable of performing curved surface processing and / or smooth surface processing on the parts in contact with the silk are preferred.

[0119] The wire winding part can have one or more concave and convex parts. The "concave and convex parts" are formed along the long axis direction of the wire winding part and are configured to store the recovered bagworm silk in the concave parts and prevent the bagworm silk from detaching from the recovery device. For example Figure 6 as shown, in the case where the shape of the wire winding part is a disc shape ( Figure 6 (a)) or a cylindrical shape ( Figure 6 (b)), there is a case of a winding frame having a convex part (0601) at the end.

[0120] When the recovery device has a wire winding part and the movable annular path is an annular linear path (0701), as Figure 7 shown, the rotating surface (0702) of the annular path and the rotating surface (0704) of the recovery device (0703) can be parallel to each other as shown in Figure 7 (a), or can be at other angles (for example, Figure 7 the perpendicular case shown in (b), Figure 7 the case of being arranged on the same plane shown in (c)). The rotating direction of the wire winding part and the traveling direction of the movable linear path can be the same direction or different directions such as the opposite direction. The recovery device can also be configured to rotate synchronously with the annular linear path. For example Figure 7 as shown in (a), by making the recovery device coaxial with the annular linear path, the same rotation direction and synchronization can be achieved.

[0121] 1 - 3 - 5. Structure of the wire hanging device

[0122] The "wire hanging device" (0205) is a device capable of changing the wire feeding direction of the bagworm silk peeled off from the movable linear path. In the silk collecting device of the present invention, it is mainly arranged during the period of recovering the bagworm silk peeled off from the movable linear path and is used for purposes such as changing the winding direction of the bagworm silk and / or adjusting the winding position. In addition, it can also have the function of applying tension to the bagworm silk to recover the slack of the silk generated during the period from peeling to recovery.

[0123] The shape of the wire hanger is not limited as long as it can change the wire feeding direction without damaging the wire and without imposing a load. For example Figure 8 as shown, pulleys (a), silk-reeling barrel carts (b), hooks (c), damask hooks (d), etc. can be cited. It is also possible to attach a tension spring or the like to them to give the wire hanger the function of applying tension to the bagworm silk.

[0124] As raw materials for the wire hanger, for example, resin (including synthetic resin and natural resin), metal, wood materials (including branches, vines, bamboo, etc.), pottery, stone, or a combination thereof can be used. Regarding the contact part with the bagworm silk, in order to prevent physical damage and breakage of the silk caused by friction, it is preferable to perform curved surface processing and smooth surface processing.

[0125] When the silk harvesting device has multiple wire hangers, each wire hanger can be the same or different.

[0126] The wire hanger is arranged and fixed at an appropriate position in the silk harvesting device to change the wire feeding direction of the peeled bagworm silk to a desired direction.

[0127] 2. Method for harvesting bagworm silk

[0128] 2-1. Overview

[0129] The second aspect of the present invention is a method for harvesting bagworm silk. The silk harvesting method of the present invention includes a silk spinning process as an essential process. According to the silk harvesting method of the present invention, the load on the bagworm can be reduced during silk spinning and the silk spinning direction can be maintained as a constant direction. As a result, long-sized bagworm silk can be harvested efficiently without special skills.

[0130] 2-2. Method

[0131] The method of the present invention includes a silk spinning process as an essential process. Hereinafter, the silk spinning process will be specifically described.

[0132] The "silk spinning process" is a process in which the feet of the bagworm are caught on a linear path and the bagworm continuously spins silk along the linear path under the activity conditions of the bagworm.

[0133] In this specification, "activity conditions" refer to the conditions under which activities accompanied by daily actions such as movement and eating can be carried out. As conditions, temperature, air pressure, humidity, light and darkness, oxygen content, etc. can be cited. The most important condition in the present invention is temperature. Insects are cold-blooded animals, so they stop moving and enter a dormant state as the temperature decreases. Therefore, the lower limit of the temperature of the activity conditions in the present invention is preferably the temperature at which the bagworms do not enter a dormant state. The specific temperature varies depending on the species, but generally it is preferably 10 °C or higher, more preferably 12 °C or higher, still more preferably 13 °C or higher, yet more preferably 14 °C or higher, and further preferably 15 °C or higher. On the other hand, the upper limit of the temperature is the upper limit of the temperature at which the bagworms can survive. Generally, it is preferably 40 °C or lower, more preferably 35 °C or lower, still more preferably 30 °C or lower, yet more preferably 27 °C or lower, and further preferably 25 °C or lower. Regarding air pressure, humidity, light and darkness, oxygen concentration, etc., as an example, it is preferably at the same level as the conditions in the flatlands of the temperate region. For example, it can be cited that the air pressure is around 1 atmosphere, the humidity is 30-70%, the light and darkness conditions are such that the light condition is 6-18 hours in 24 hours, and the oxygen concentration in the atmosphere is in the range of 15-25%.

[0134] The bagworms used in this process can be individuals collected in the wild, or they can also be individuals of successive generations under artificial breeding. However, in either case, it is preferably not an individual in a starving state, and more preferably an individual that has been given a sufficient amount of food before use. If the individuals that spin silk are not in a starving state, the bagworms that have been given sufficient food will continuously spin silk while moving on a linear path for a period of 1 hour to 4 days, 3 hours to 3 days, or 6 hours to 2 days under the above conditions.

[0135] The bagworms used in this process can be in a state of maintaining a nest or in a state of being taken out of the nest. Usually, bagworms move together with the nest, so it is preferably used together with the nest in this process. However, for example, in the case of using a tubular holder that houses the naked bagworms taken out of the nest to use bagworms in this process, the nest may not be maintained. When the bagworms maintain a nest, if the nest can cover the general body of the bagworms, it may not be in a complete form. The raw materials constituting the nest do not need to be leaves and twigs seen in nature, and artificial raw materials (such as paper pieces, wood pieces, fiber pieces, metal pieces, plastic pieces, etc.) can also be used to construct it.

[0136] The feature of this process is that the bagworms are fixed at a position where the feet can be caught on the linear path. Through this fixation, the free movement of the bagworms can be restricted and the spinning direction on the linear path can be fixed in a constant direction. In addition, in principle, one bagworm is arranged and fixed on one linear path, but multiple bagworms can also be fixed. In this case, they are arranged and fixed on the linear path in such a way that the traveling directions of the respective bagworms are the same.

[0137] In the silk collection method of the present invention, the constitution and structure of the linear path used may be the same as those of the linear path described in the silk collection device for the silk of the bagworm described in the first embodiment. A preferred structure is a circular linear path, particularly a circular ring-shaped linear path. Multiple linear paths may also be used. In this case, the linear paths are arranged in parallel, and it is only necessary to fix the feet of the bagworm to each linear path. The fixation of the bagworm is achieved using a fixator or the like. The fixator may have the constitution described in the first embodiment. By fixing the bagworm to the linear path under moving conditions, the bagworm continuously spins silk while spontaneously moving along the linear path.

[0138] In this specification, "continuous spinning" means that the bagworm spins silk without interruption. Due to its instinctive nature, the bagworm with its feet fixed to the linear path continuously spins the support silk while moving. When the silk ejected from the silk spinning openings on the left and right of the larva's snout breaks, the continuity is lost.

[0139] In this process, the direction in which the bagworm with its feet fixed to the linear path moves is, in principle, the advancing direction of the bagworm. As described above, the bagworm used in this process is fixed at the position where its feet are fixed to the linear path. In this state, the bagworm cannot move forward in any direction other than the advancing direction. Even in the rare case where the bagworm moves backward on the linear path, by providing a ratchet on the linear path to restrict the reverse movement of the linear path, the moving direction is necessarily only the advancing direction.

[0140] Another feature of this process is that the linear path moves automatically and / or by the movement of the bagworm in the long axis direction. Thus, even if the bagworm is fixed at a constant position, it can continuously spin silk on the linear path.

[0141] The linear path moves by the driving force of the bagworm with its feet fixed moving forward in the advancing direction. Therefore, its moving direction is the direction opposite to the advancing direction of the bagworm. In the case of a circular ring-shaped linear path formed by the edge of a disc, the disc rotates by the movement of the bagworm, so that the linear path can move. The linear path may also move automatically. In this case, the moving direction of the linear path is also the direction opposite to the advancing direction of the bagworm.

[0142] The moving speed of the linear path is approximately equal to the moving speed of the silkworm caterpillar based on the moving driving force of the silkworm caterpillar. Additionally, when the linear path is automatically moved, it is also set to be equal to or less than the moving speed of the silkworm caterpillar. When the linear path operates automatically, it can operate according to known driving techniques, such as a combination of a motor and gears. As described above, the moving speed of a normal silkworm caterpillar is in the range of 3 m / hr to 15 m / hr, and in the fastest case, it is 17 m / hr to 22 m / hr. Therefore, the speed (v) when the linear path is automatically moved should be set to be below these speeds. For example, in the range of 0 m / hr < v ≤ 22 m / hr, 0 m / hr < v ≤ 20 m / hr, 0 m / hr < v ≤ 17 m / hr, 0 m / hr < v ≤ 15 m / hr, 0 m / hr < v ≤ 12 m / hr, 0 m / hr < v ≤ 10 m / hr, 0 m / hr < v ≤ 8 m / hr, 0 m / hr < v ≤ 5 m / hr, 0 m / hr < v ≤ 4 m / hr, or 0 m / hr < v ≤ 3 m / hr.

[0143] According to the method of the present invention, since the silkworm caterpillar continuously spits out silk on the linear path, it is possible to collect the support silk of the long-sized silkworm caterpillar.

[0144] 3. Method for producing long-sized silkworm caterpillar silk

[0145] 3-1. Outline

[0146] The third aspect of the present invention is a method for producing long-sized silkworm caterpillar silk. According to the production method of the present invention, it is possible to efficiently and massively produce long-sized support silk of the silkworm caterpillar from the silkworm caterpillar.

[0147] 3-2. Method

[0148] Figure 9 The basic process flow of the production method of the present invention is shown. The production method of the present invention includes a silk-spitting process (S0901), a contact process (S0902), and a recovery process (S0903) as necessary production processes. Additionally, as optional processes, it includes a refining process (S0904) and / or a twisting process (S0905). Figure 4 The process of performing the contact process (S0902) after the silk-spitting process (S0901) is shown in, but these necessary processes can also be performed simultaneously. Additionally, regarding the optional processes, they are not limited to the basic process either. Figure 9The basic process shown in the figure is to perform a refining process (S0904) after the recycling process (S0903), and then go through a silk twisting process (S0905). However, as will be described later, for example, the refining process (S0904) can also be carried out simultaneously with the contact process (S0902). In addition, the silk twisting process (S0905) can also be carried out after the recycling process (S0903) and before the refining process (S0904). Hereinafter, each process will be specifically described.

[0149] (1) Silk Spinning Process (S0901)

[0150] The "silk spinning process" is analogous to the silk spinning process in the silk collection method of the bagworm silk described in the second embodiment. Therefore, specific description thereof is omitted here. The feature of the silk spinning process of this embodiment is to make the bagworm spit out long-sized silk.

[0151] (2) Contact Process (S0902)

[0152] The "contact process" is a process of making the bagworm silk on the linear path contact the stripping liquid and / or vapor. Through this process, the bonding ability of the bagworm silk adhering to the bonding substance on the linear path becomes weak, and in the recycling process, it is easy to strip and recycle the bagworm silk. This process is carried out immediately after the bagworm spits silk, so that the physical load on the bagworm silk on the linear path can be reduced before the bonding strength of the bonding substance increases due to drying and curing, and the stripping can be carried out.

[0153] In addition, this process is usually carried out after the silk spinning process (S0901), but it can also be carried out simultaneously with the silk spinning process (S0901). For example, in Figure 2 、 Figure 10 In the silk collection device with a circular ring-shaped linear path shown, the linear path impregnated with the stripping liquid rotates and becomes the linear path for the bagworm to spit silk again. Therefore, simultaneously with the bagworm spitting silk (silk spinning process), the bagworm silk contacts the stripping liquid on the linear path (contact process). In this case, after spitting silk, the linear path is immersed in the stripping liquid again, so that it is easier to strip the bagworm silk on the linear path.

[0154] The stripping liquid and vapor used in this process are analogous to the stripping liquid and vapor described in the first embodiment.

[0155] The method of bringing the stripping liquid, vapor into contact with the bagworm silk attached to the wire path in the silk spinning process is not limited. For example, there may be mentioned a method of immersing the wire path after the silk spinning process in the stripping liquid in a tank, a method of passing the wire path after the silk spinning process through the water vapor filled in a box, a method of dropping the stripping liquid onto the bagworm silk attached to the wire path after the silk spinning process, a method of spraying water vapor onto the bagworm silk attached to the wire path after the silk spinning process, or a combination thereof. That is, during the period from one silk spinning process to the recovery process, the same or different contact processes can be carried out multiple times.

[0156] In addition, by making the stripping liquid a refining liquid, the contact process can also become the refining process (S0904) described later. In this case, it can be recovered as a single fiber obtained by separating the double filaments instead of the spun fiber in the subsequent recovery process. The refining process will be described later.

[0157] (3) Recovery process (S0903)

[0158] The "recovery process" is a process of stripping and recovering the bagworm silk attached to the wire path after the contact process. The bagworm silk after the contact process is in a state where the bonding ability of the bonding substance is reduced and it is easy to be stripped from the wire path. Therefore, after stripping the head of the bagworm silk from the wire path using a stripper or the like, a tension is applied in a direction different from the traveling direction of the wire path, so that the bagworm silk can be easily stripped from the wire path.

[0159] The method of recovering the bagworm silk stripped from the wire path is not particularly limited as long as it does not break the bagworm silk. In the production method of the present invention, a method of recovering while winding around a winding member is preferred. As the winding member, a usual winding member used in this field can be used. For example, it can be wound around the outer edge portion of a disk-shaped member, a tubular member, a plate-shaped member, or the like.

[0160] In the method for producing the silk of the bagworm in the present invention, the moving driving force generated by the movement of the bagworm on the linear path used in the silk-spinning process and / or automatically acts in the direction opposite to the traveling direction of the bagworm. At this time, the silk of the bagworm can be recovered while rotating the winding member synchronously with the movement of the linear path. When the movement of the winding member is synchronized with the movement of the linear path, the rotational speed of the winding member is also substantially the same as the moving speed of the bagworm, which is 3 m / hr to 15 m / hr, and in the fastest case, it is in the range of 17 m / hr to 22 m / hr. Therefore, the winding member operates at a speed (v) below this. For example, the operating speed range is 0 m / hr < v ≤ 22 m / hr, 0 m / hr < v ≤ 20 m / hr, 0 m / hr < v ≤ 17 m / hr, 0 m / hr < v ≤ 15 m / hr, 0 m / hr < v ≤ 12 m / hr, 0 m / hr < v ≤ 10 m / hr, 0 m / hr < v ≤ 8 m / hr, 0 m / hr < v ≤ 5 m / hr, 0 m / hr < v ≤ 4 m / hr, or 0 m / hr < v ≤ 3 m / hr. When the winding member operates automatically, it can operate according to known driving techniques, such as a combination of a motor and gears.

[0161] There is no limitation on the rotational direction of the winding member. When the linear path is a circular ring-shaped linear path, it is only necessary to rotate the winding member in the same direction as the rotational direction of the linear path or in a rotational direction other than that. When the winding member recovers the silk of the bagworm in a rotational direction other than the direction opposite to the rotational direction of the linear path, it is necessary to change the feeding direction of the silk of the bagworm peeled from the linear path. In this case, the silk of the bagworm led out by peeling is hung on one or more reeling bobbins, pulleys, silk hooks, hooks, etc., and then wound around the winding member. As a preferred embodiment, the following method can be cited: The winding member is coaxial with the circular ring-shaped linear path, and they are rotated in the same direction (the direction opposite to the traveling direction of the bagworm) by the moving driving force of the bagworm and / or automatically. After hanging the silk of the bagworm peeled from the linear path on the silk hook or the reeling bobbin, it is wound around the winding member in the same direction as the rotational direction of the linear path. If this method is used, the silk of the bagworm spit out onto the linear path can be immediately recovered in a relatively narrow space. In addition, the winding member and the linear path are rotated simultaneously by the moving driving force of the bagworm and / or automatically, so that silk-spinning and recovery can be processed simultaneously, thus being efficient. In addition, since the linear path and the silk of the bagworm are peeled off before the adhesive substance secreted simultaneously with the silk-spinning of the bagworm dries and solidifies, recovery can be easily performed with a small force and almost no physical damage. According to this process, the support silk of the long-sized bagworm can be obtained.

[0162] (4) Scouring process (S0904)

[0163] The "scouring process" is a process for scouring the long-sized bagworm silk. "Scouring" means removing a sericin-like bonding substance from the silk fibers to obtain single fibers. Usually, it is carried out after the recovery process, but as described above, it can also be carried out simultaneously with the contact process. In addition, as will be described later, when the twisting process is carried out after the recovery process and before this process, it can also be carried out after the twisting process. This process is a selective process and can be carried out as needed.

[0164] The scouring method is not particularly limited as long as it can remove the bonding substance without reducing the strength of the fiber component of the bagworm silk. For example, the scouring method of mulberry silk can also be applied. Specifically, the bagworm silk recovered in the recovery process is immersed in a sodium bicarbonate solution of 0.01 mol / L to 0.1 mol / L, 0.03 mol / L to 0.08 mol / L, or 0.04 mol / L to 0.06 mol / L. Boiling treatment for 5 minutes to 1 hour, 10 minutes to 40 minutes, or 15 minutes to 30 minutes is more preferable. According to this process, single fibers of long-sized scaffold silk can be obtained.

[0165] (5) Twisting process (S0905)

[0166] The "twisting process" is a process of twisting the bagworm silk obtained after the recovery process or the scouring process. "Twisting" means twisting the silk. In this process, tough bagworm raw silk is manufactured by twisting the spinning fibers and / or single fibers of multiple bagworm silks.

[0167] In addition to bundling and twisting the single fibers of the bagworm silk obtained after the scouring process, the twisting process can also bundle and twist the spinning fibers of the bagworm silk obtained after the recovery process. In the former case, twisted bagworm silk from which the bonding substance has been removed is obtained. On the other hand, in the latter case, twisted bagworm silk composed of spinning fibers and containing the bonding substance is obtained. Therefore, silk in a state containing the bonding substance can be utilized without going through the scouring process, or the scouring process can be carried out as needed to manufacture twisted bagworm silk from which the bonding substance has been removed.

[0168] In this process, it is also possible to mix and bundle with fibers other than bagworm silk, such as animal fibers such as mulberry silk, plant fibers such as cotton, chemical fibers such as polyester, or regenerated fibers such as rayon, and then twist. When producing one twisted bagworm silk, the number of spinning fibers and / or single fibers constituting it is not particularly limited. For example, a range of 2 to 200, 4 to 150, 6 to 100, 8 to 50, or 10 to 30 is cited.

[0169] The method of twisting the silk is not particularly limited. Any known method of twisting silk in this field can be used. For example, right twist (S twist) and left twist (Z twist) can be cited. The number of twists can be appropriately set as needed. In the case of producing thick bagworm silk, ply twisting in which multiple twisted bagworm silks are further combined can also be adopted. In addition to manual operations, a silk twister can also be used for the twisting operation.

[0170] The bagworm silk obtained by the production method of the present invention is in long lengths, but they can also be woven to obtain even longer bagworm silk.

[0171] By going through the above processes, it is possible to produce long-sized bagworm silk, which was impossible to produce in the past, as single fibers or aggregated fibers. Therefore, using the long-sized bagworm silk of the present invention as a material, alone or mixed with other fibers, it is also possible to manufacture a woven fabric of support silk containing bagworms, which was impossible until now. The woven fabric of bagworm silk is beautiful, smooth, and has excellent tensile strength. Therefore, not only for clothes, but also like spider silk, it is promising as a special raw material for medical use, protective clothing, etc. Moreover, it can also be used for high-class fabric products, such as high-class backrest chairs, sofas, curtains, or wallpapers of stretched fabrics with strong friction.

[0172] Examples

[0173] <Manufacture of the silk collection device for bagworm silk and verification of the silk collection length>

[0174] (Purpose)

[0175] A silk collection device for bagworm silk according to the present invention was manufactured, and it was verified that the silk collection length of the support silk of bagworms that can be automatically silk-collected by this device is 1 m or more.

[0176] (Method)

[0177] 1. Manufacture of the device

[0178] In this example, a silk collection device for bagworm silk described in the first aspect of the present invention was manufactured. Figure 10 The actual silk collection device is shown.

[0179] The movable linear path (1001) is a circular ring-shaped linear path formed on the outer edge of a disk with a diameter of 12 cm and a thickness of 2.1 mm. This disk can rotate around the central axis of the circle in the direction shown in the figure (clockwise).

[0180] The holder (1002) uses a polypropylene centrifuge tube with a diameter of 18 mm (inner diameter 16 mm) and is inclined at about 30 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane. The bagworms fixed to the holder can catch their feet on the upper part of the movable linear path.

[0181] The stripper (1003) uses a deposition tank that deposits 1 L of 0.1% polyethylene glycol monostearate (n = appox. 40, Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Cas No. 9004-99-3) as the stripping liquid. The movable linear path is vertically arranged inside the device, and the lower 1 / 4 of the disc is immersed in the stripping liquid in the deposition tank.

[0182] The recycler (1004) is a disc with a diameter of 12 cm and a thickness of 16 mm and can rotate coaxially with the movable linear path. With this structure, the movable linear path and the recycler move synchronously and rotate in the same direction (clockwise).

[0183] In addition, between the movable linear path and the recycler, an S-shaped hook made of a stainless steel wire with a diameter of 0.3 mm is set as the wire hanger (1005). After hanging the bagworm silk that has passed through the stripper on the S-shaped hook, it is guided and fixed from the upper part of the winding part arranged on the outer periphery of the recycler. By passing through the wire hanger, even if the recycler rotates in the same direction as the rotation of the movable linear path, the bagworm silk can be wound in the same direction. The winding tension of the recycler is transmitted to the bagworm silk on the movable linear path that has passed through the stripper via the wire hanger, and under the action of this force, the bagworm silk is peeled off from the movable linear path. Therefore, after fixing the bagworm to the fixator and making its feet catch on the movable linear path, until the bagworm stops the silk-spinning action, that is, moves, automatic peeling and recycling can be performed.

[0184] 2. Production of long-sized bagworm silk

[0185] (1) Materials

[0186] The bagworms used are the last instar larvae (n = 10) of Clania variegata collected in Ibaraki Prefecture.

[0187] (2) Silk collection method

[0188] The above-mentioned bagworms (1006) are fixed to the fixator together with the nest. The nest is fixed by inserting half of the bagworm's nest into a centrifuge tube and winding a sealing film (Parafilm, registered trademark) around the boundary between the nest and the centrifuge tube. Make the feet of the bagworm catch on the movable linear path, measure the time from the moment when the bagworm moves forward and starts to spin silk until the continuous silk-spinning is interrupted as the silk collection time, and measure the silk collection length of the bagworm silk recovered to the recycler during this period. In addition, according to the silk collection time and the silk collection length, calculate the silk-spinning speed of the bagworm per unit time. The same silk collection method is implemented for 10 bagworms.

[0189] (Results)

[0190] Table 1 shows the silk collection time, the silk-spinning length, and the silk-spinning speed calculated from them.

[0191] Table 1

[0192] # Silk collection time (min) Silk collection length (m) Spinning speed (m / hr) 1 140 28.8 12.3 2 165 22.0 8.0 3 240 17.2 4.3 4 165 16.8 6.1 5 60 7.2 7.2 6 90 19.3 12.9 7 240 19.9 5.0 8 225 33.9 9.0 9 205 34.2 10.0 10 55 11.0 12.0 Ave. 158.5 21.0 8.7

[0193] As can be seen from the above results, by using a silk harvesting device for the silk of the long-sized bagworms that implements the inventive method for producing bagworms, continuous bagworm silk that was difficult to produce even 1 m in length in the past can be automatically produced with a minimum length of approximately 7 m and an average length of 20 m.

[0194] All publications, patents, and patent applications cited in this specification are incorporated herein by direct reference.

Claims

1. A silk harvesting device for bagworm silk, having a movable linear path that operates in the long axis direction and a holder for fixing bagworms; The movable linear path has a width smaller than the maximum width of the left and right outstretched feet of the bagworms fixed to the holder, and is configured to be able to catch the feet of the bagworms; The holder is arranged at a position where the fixed bagworms can be caught by the movable linear path.

2. The silk harvesting device for bagworm silk according to claim 1, further having one or more strippers; The stripper is configured to store a stripping liquid and / or vapor for stripping the discharged bagworm silk from the movable linear path, and is arranged at a position where a part of the movable linear path can come into contact with the stripping liquid and / or vapor inside the stripper.

3. The silk harvesting device for bagworm silk according to claim 2, further having a collector; The collector is configured to collect the bagworm silk stripped from the movable linear path.

4. The silk harvesting device for bagworm silk according to claim 2 or 3, further having one or more wire hangers; The wire hanger is configured to be able to change the feeding direction of the bagworm silk stripped from the movable linear path.

5. The silk harvesting device for bagworm silk according to claim 1, The movable linear path is an annular linear path.

6. The silk harvesting device for bagworm silk according to claim 5, The movable linear path is circular in shape.

7. The silk harvesting device for bagworm silk according to claim 1, The movable linear path is an automatic linear path.

8. The silk harvesting device for bagworm silk according to claim 3, The collector has a wire winding part on its outer peripheral part; The wire winding part is configured to be able to wind up the collected bagworm silk.

9. The silk harvesting device for bagworm silk according to claim 8, The wire winding part has one or more uneven parts along the winding direction; The uneven part is configured to be able to accommodate the collected bagworm silk in the recess.

10. The silk harvesting device for bagworm silk according to claim 8, is configured such that the rotation of the movable linear path and the collector is synchronized.

11. A method for harvesting bagworm silk from bagworms, including a silk-spinning process of making the feet of the used bagworms catch on a linear path and continuously spinning silk along the linear path, the linear path having a width smaller than the maximum width of the left and right outstretched feet of the bagworms and being able to catch the feet of the bagworms; In the silk-spinning process, the used bagworms or the bagworm nest is fixed at a position where the bagworms can catch their feet on the linear path, and the linear path moves in the long axis direction by automatic and / or the movement of the bagworms.

12. The method for harvesting bagworm silk from bagworms according to claim 11, The linear path is annular.

13. A method for producing long-sized bagworm silk, including: A silk-spinning process of making the feet of the bagworms used for silk harvesting catch on a linear path and continuously spinning silk along the linear path, the linear path having a width smaller than the maximum width of the left and right outstretched feet of the bagworms and being able to catch the feet of the bagworms; A contact process of making the bagworm silk on the linear path contact a stripping liquid and / or vapor; And A recovery process of stripping the bagworm silk from the linear path after the contact process and recovering it; In the silk spinning process, the bagworm or the bagworm nest used is fixed at a position where the bagworm can catch its feet on the linear path, and the linear path moves in the long axis direction by automatic and / or the movement of the bagworm.

14. The method for producing long-sized bagworm silk as claimed in claim 13, During the contacting process, during the recovering process, and / or after the recovering process, it further includes a refining process for refining the bagworm silk.

15. The method for producing long-sized bagworm silk as claimed in claim 13 or 14, After the recovering process and / or after the refining process, it further includes a twisting process for twisting the bagworm silk.

16. The method for producing long-sized bagworm silk as claimed in claim 13, wherein the linear path is circular.

Images