Curing device

Abstract

Provided is a curing device that improves the quality of vanilla beans by obtaining vanillin from glucovanillin using hydrolysis. 【Solution means】The curing device 1 includes a processing chamber 2 in which vanilla beans B are accommodated, an irradiation unit 3 that irradiates electromagnetic waves into the processing chamber 2, and an ultrasonic vibrator 50 that atomizes water or an aqueous solution containing an acid or an oxidizing agent in the processing chamber 2 and sprays it, and a control unit 6 that controls the operations of the irradiation unit 3 and the spraying unit 5.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a curing device that improves the quality of vanilla beans by obtaining vanillin from glucovanillin using hydrolysis.

Background Art

[0002] The high-quality aroma of vanilla ice cream and custard cream is derived from a compound called vanillin obtained from plants of the genus Vanilla in the orchid family. This vanillin is produced through curing, which means processes such as fermentation, drying, and aging of harvested vanilla beans. Also, before fermentation, an operation called blanching is performed, in which vanilla beans are immersed in hot water for a short time, promoting the action of β-glucosidase, which is an enzyme that decomposes glucovanillin, a precursor of vanillin. Through the action of this activated degrading enzyme, the glycosidic bond of glucovanillin can be cleaved (hydrolyzed) to obtain vanillin.

[0003] The amount of vanillin that can be extracted from plants is limited, and it is said that 500 kg of vanilla beans are required per 1 kg of vanillin. Also, the yield of vanilla beans is affected by the weather, and in addition, since the cultivation locations are limited to tropical regions such as Madagascar and Indonesia, price hikes have been a problem in recent years.

[0004] As a technique for extracting vanilla extract containing such vanillin, for example, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 is disclosed.

[0005] The technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a first step of sterilizing a fruit of the genus Vanilla or its crossbred variety under conditions that do not inactivate at least those having an action of decomposing a precursor of an aroma component in the fruit to generate an aroma component among the enzymes contained in the fruit, and a second step of putting the fruit sterilized in the first step into a breathable container at least partially openable and closable and performing curing in a sterile environment under controlled temperature conditions and light irradiation conditions.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Document

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 promotes the enzymatic decomposition of glucovanillin by irradiating ultraviolet light while maintaining the environmental temperature within a predetermined temperature range in a sterile environment to obtain a natural vanilla flavor. However, the amount of β-glucosidase, an enzyme contained in vanilla beans, is small and varies, so not all glucovanillin is decomposed into vanillin, and the fragrance also varies from vanilla bean to vanilla bean, resulting in a problem of unstable quality.

[0008] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a curing device that improves the quality of vanilla beans by obtaining vanillin from glucovanillin using hydrolysis.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] The curing device according to the present invention includes a treatment chamber in which vanilla beans are accommodated, an irradiation unit that irradiates electromagnetic waves into the treatment chamber, a spraying unit that sprays water or an aqueous solution containing an acid or an oxidizing agent in a mist form using an ultrasonic vibrator into the treatment chamber, and a control unit that controls the operations of the irradiation unit and the spraying unit.

[0010] Thus, in the present invention, since it includes an irradiation unit that irradiates electromagnetic waves into the processing chamber, a spraying unit that sprays water or the like in the form of mist into the processing chamber using an ultrasonic vibrator, and a control unit that controls the operations of the irradiation unit and the spraying unit, water or the like sprayed in the form of mist easily penetrates into the vanilla beans, promoting a hydrolysis reaction using electromagnetic waves as an energy source. As a result, the decomposition of glucovanillin, which was insufficient with only the enzymatic reaction, proceeds through the hydrolysis reaction, and high-quality vanilla beans can be obtained.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] (The First Embodiment of the Present Invention) Hereinafter, a curing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. The curing device according to the present embodiment sprays water or the like in the form of mist in a heated processing chamber, applies fine water droplets to vanilla beans, hydrolyzes glucovanillin contained in the vanilla beans to produce vanillin, and realizes the production of high-quality vanilla beans having a mellow fragrance.

[0013] Hereinafter, the curing device for vanilla beans according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the curing device according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an ultrasonic vibrator in the curing device according to the present embodiment, where (a) is a plan view and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of (a). As shown in FIG. 1, the curing device 1 includes a treatment chamber 2 that can be sealed and houses pre-fermentation vanilla beans B composed of a sheath and seeds enclosed in the sheath, an irradiation unit 3 that irradiates infrared rays or far-infrared rays (hereinafter referred to as infrared rays, etc.) and is disposed in the treatment chamber 2 to raise the temperature in the treatment chamber 2, a storage unit 4 that stores water or an aqueous solution containing an acid or an oxidizing agent (hereinafter referred to as water, etc.), a spraying unit 5 that sprays the water, etc. supplied from the storage unit 4 into the treatment chamber 2 in a mist form using an ultrasonic vibrator, and a control unit 6 that controls the operations of the irradiation unit 3 and the spraying unit 5. The curing device 1 may be provided with a cooling unit that lowers the temperature in the treatment chamber 2.

[0014] In the treatment chamber 2, a placement unit 20 such as a dish or a net on which the vanilla beans B can be placed is installed, and the pre-fermentation vanilla beans B are preferably placed on the placement unit 20 at appropriate intervals.

[0015] Further, the treatment chamber 2 is provided with a ventilation port 21 through which outside air can be taken in. The configuration of the ventilation port 21 is not particularly limited as long as it can exchange the air in the treatment chamber 2 with the outside air, and it may be configured as an intake and exhaust port that serves both intake and exhaust, or as shown in FIG. 1, it may be configured as an intake port 21a and an exhaust port 21b that separate intake and exhaust.

[0016] When the vent 21 is composed of an intake port 21a and an exhaust port 21b, outside air that is cooler than the inside of the processing chamber 2 is taken in from the intake port 21a, and air inside the processing chamber 2 that is warmer than the outside air is discharged outside the processing chamber 2 from the exhaust port 21b. The intake port 21a and the exhaust port 21b may be individually arranged at different positions. For example, the intake port 21a may be arranged below the processing chamber 2, and the exhaust port 21b may be arranged above the processing chamber 2, or the intake port 21a and the exhaust port 21b may be arranged on different wall surfaces inside the processing chamber 2.

[0017] Further, the intake port 21a and the exhaust port 21b may each have opening and closing doors 21c, 21d that block the air inside the processing chamber 2 and the outside air. The opening and closing doors 21c, 21d are opened and closed by the control unit 6 according to the temperature inside the processing chamber 2.

[0018] Also, inside the processing chamber 2, a humidity detection unit 22 such as a humidity sensor is installed. The humidity detection unit 22 detects the humidity inside the processing chamber 2 and transmits the detection signal to the control unit 6. The humidity detection unit 22 may incorporate a temperature sensor and may transmit the temperature information inside the processing chamber 2 to the control unit 6.

[0019] In the fermentation of the vanilla beans B, the temperature inside the processing chamber 2 is preferably within a set range of 50 to 70°C. When the temperature inside the processing chamber 2 is within this range, the hydrolysis of the vanilla beans B can be efficiently promoted, the boiling down of the sheaths of the vanilla beans B can be prevented, and high-quality vanilla beans can be obtained. Also, the relative humidity inside the processing chamber 2 is preferably within a set range of 59 to 61%RH. When the relative humidity inside the processing chamber 2 is within this range, the hydrolysis of the vanilla beans B can be efficiently advanced.

[0020] The irradiation unit 3 irradiates infrared rays or the like from a heater or the like to raise the temperature of the air inside the processing chamber 2.

[0021] The storage unit 4 includes a tank 40 for storing water or the like, and a liquid feeding unit 41 for feeding the water or the like in the tank 40 to the spraying unit 5. Examples of the method for feeding water or the like to the spraying unit 5 include a method using capillary action that does not consume electricity, and a method using a liquid feeding pump (not shown). When using capillary action, the liquid feeding unit 41 is configured as a cylindrical supply pipe having holes through which water or the like can pass inside, a fiber aggregate formed by twisting fibers, or the like.

[0022] Examples of the water stored in the tank 40 include distilled water and ion-exchanged water. Examples of the acid stored in the tank 40 include acetic acid, hydrogen chloride (hydrochloric acid), sulfuric acid, etc., and examples of the oxidizing agent include ozone, etc. When using an aqueous solution containing ozone as the water or the like supplied to the spraying unit 5, ozone gas may be injected into the water from a cylinder or the like in the tank 40 in advance, or the water in the tank 40 or the liquid feeding unit 41 may be irradiated with ultraviolet rays to directly generate ozone in the water. By using ozone, bacteria and viruses can be inactivated, so the quality deterioration and spoilage of vanilla beans can be suppressed.

[0023] The curing device 1 may separately have a heating unit for heating the water or the like stored in the storage unit 4. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the temperature in the processing chamber 2 from rapidly decreasing due to the mist of water or the like sprayed into the processing chamber 2 from the spraying unit 5, and to maintain a stable fermentation environment.

[0024] The spraying unit 5 has an ultrasonic vibrator 50 for spraying water or the like into the processing chamber 2 in a mist form. The ultrasonic vibrator 50 is composed of a piezoelectric ceramic 51 in the form of a ring, and a metal plate 52 in the form of a substantially disc that contacts the piezoelectric ceramic 51. The piezoelectric ceramic 51 is fixed to the metal plate 52 with an adhesive or the like. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the spraying unit 5 is disposed at the bottom of the processing chamber 2, but it is not limited thereto, and it may be provided on the inner wall or the top plate of the processing chamber 2.

[0025] In the central portion of the metal plate 52 corresponding to the hollow portion 53 of the piezoelectric ceramic 51, a plurality of through holes 54 are formed. The liquid feeding portion 41 is in contact with the surface of the metal plate 52 on the side opposite to the side on which the piezoelectric ceramic 51 is laminated. The contact area between the liquid feeding portion 41 and the metal plate 52 is not particularly limited as long as water or the like can be supplied from the liquid feeding portion 41 to each through hole 54.

[0026] When water or the like stored in the tank 40 is supplied to the ultrasonic vibrator 50 through the liquid feeding portion 41, the water or the like rises in the through holes 54 of the metal plate 52 from the lower end on the liquid feeding portion side to the upper end due to capillary action or the like. In this state, when a voltage is applied between the electrode film formed on the surface of the piezoelectric ceramic 51 and the metal plate 52, the piezoelectric ceramic 51 vibrates, and this vibration is transmitted to the metal plate 52, causing the metal plate 52 itself to vibrate, and the water or the like near the upper end of the through hole 54 is made into a mist and sprayed into the processing chamber 2.

[0027] The ultrasonic vibrator 50 can change the amount of water or the like sprayed into the processing chamber 2 by adjusting the amplitude of the applied voltage. If the amplitude of the applied voltage is increased, the spray amount increases, and if the amplitude of the applied voltage is decreased, the spray amount decreases. Further, the ultrasonic vibrator 50 can also adjust the size of the water droplets of water or the like sprayed into the processing chamber 2 by changing the frequency of the applied voltage. If the frequency of the applied voltage is increased, the water droplets become smaller, and if the frequency of the applied voltage is decreased, the water droplets become larger. In the present embodiment, from the viewpoint of impregnating water or the like into the vanilla beans B and further bringing the molecules of water or the like closer to glucovanillin to promote hydrolysis, it is preferable to increase the frequency of the applied voltage. For example, it is preferable to apply a voltage having a frequency such that the number of water molecules contained in the water droplets is about 30 to 50.

[0028] As the piezoelectric ceramic 51, polycrystalline ceramics obtained by firing a known material such as barium titanate at a high temperature can be used. As the metal plate 52, stainless steel or the like can be used. Incidentally, when the temperature in the processing chamber 2 rises, the temperatures of the piezoelectric ceramics 51 and the metal plate 52 also rise accordingly, and the frequency bands at which they vibrate may change. At this time, if a large deviation occurs between the vibration frequency (band) of the piezoelectric ceramics 51 and the vibration frequency (band) of the metal plate 52, even if a voltage having a frequency for vibrating the piezoelectric ceramics 51 is applied, the vibration of the piezoelectric ceramics 51 will not be transmitted to the metal plate 52 and will not vibrate because the vibration frequencies are different. Therefore, at least within the temperature setting range in the processing chamber 2, it is preferable to select a material in which the frequency band at which the piezoelectric ceramics 51 vibrates at a predetermined temperature is wider than the frequency band at which the metal plate 52 vibrates, and the piezoelectric ceramics 51 and the metal plate 52 can resonate. It is sufficient that at least a part of the vibration frequency band of the metal plate 52 is included in the vibration frequency band of the piezoelectric ceramics 51.

[0029] Also, as shown in the following formula (1) (empirical formula), the insulation resistance of the ultrasonic vibrator 50 decreases exponentially as the relative humidity increases.

[0030]

Number

[0031] Here, R0 is the insulation resistance at the reference humidity, α is a coefficient depending on the material, etc., H is the relative humidity, and R ins is the insulation resistance at the relative humidity H.

[0032] Therefore, it is preferable to surround the ultrasonic vibrator 50 with a moisture-proof coating or enclose it with a material having moisture-proof properties within a range that does not inhibit spraying of water or the like.

[0033] Furthermore, as shown in the following formula (2), when the insulation resistance decreases, the leakage current increases.

[0034]

Number

[0035] Here, V is voltage, R ins is insulation resistance, and I leak is leakage current.

[0036] Therefore, it is preferable to select a high-insulation material as the material constituting the spraying unit 5 or to optimize the substrate clearance.

[0037] A plurality of spraying units 5 may be provided at the same or different locations.

[0038] The control unit 6 controls at least the operations of the irradiation unit 3 and the spraying unit 5. For example, the control unit 6 controls the start and stop of irradiation by the irradiation unit 3 according to the temperature in the processing chamber 2, and controls the vibration state and the stationary state of the spraying unit 5 according to the relative humidity in the processing chamber 2. In addition, the control unit 6 calculates the relative humidity in the processing chamber 2 based on the detection signal transmitted from the humidity detection unit 22, and controls the opening and closing of the ventilation port 21 according to the relative humidity to adjust the relative humidity in the processing chamber 2.

[0039] Next, a method for controlling the relative humidity using the curing apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of humidity control in the curing apparatus according to the present embodiment. At the start of control, it is assumed that the ultrasonic vibrator 50 is stopped and in a stationary state (a state where no mist is sprayed), and the ventilation port 21 is in a closed state.

[0040] First, the control unit 6 calculates the relative humidity H R (%RH) in the processing chamber 2 based on the signal transmitted from the humidity detection unit 22, and determines whether the calculated relative humidity H R is within the preset relative humidity setting range (H min ≦H R ≦H max ) (step S1). The relative humidity H RIf it is within the set range (step S1: YES), the ultrasonic vibrator 50 is set to the stationary state, and the ventilation port 21 is closed (step S2), and a loop process is performed to execute the process from step S1 again. In step S2, if the ultrasonic vibrator 50 is already in the stationary state and the ventilation port 21 is in the closed state, this state is maintained.

[0041] Relative humidity H R In the calculation of, the saturated water vapor amount corresponding to the estimated temperature estimated from the electrical resistance value of the ultrasonic vibrator 50 may be used, or when the humidity detection unit 22 incorporates a temperature sensor, the saturated water vapor amount corresponding to the temperature obtained from the temperature sensor may be used.

[0042] In step S1, the relative humidity H in the processing chamber 2 R is not within the set range, and the lower limit value H min (%RH) is less than (H R <H min ), it is determined that the ultrasonic vibrator 50 is put into the vibrating state or the vibrating state is maintained (step S3), and mist-like water or the like is sprayed into the processing chamber 2. Then, a loop process is performed to execute the process from step S1 again.

[0043] In step S1, the relative humidity H in the processing chamber 2 R is not within the set range, and the upper limit value H max (%RH) is exceeded (H max <H R ), it is determined that the ventilation port 21 is put into the open state or the open state is maintained (step S4), the air in the processing chamber 2 is exchanged with outside air having a lower humidity (less moisture content per unit volume) than this air, and the relative humidity in the processing chamber 2 is decreased. Then, a loop process is performed to execute the process from step S1 again.

[0044] In the humidity control described above, the relative humidity H in the processing chamber 2 R is the lower limit value H min and the upper limit value H max In the vicinity (for example, the lower limit value H min ±1%RH, the upper limit value H maxWhen it is within ±1%RH, the relative humidity H in the processing chamber 2 R is controlled such that the amount of sprayed water or the like sprayed from the ultrasonic vibrator 50 and the opening time of the ventilation port 21 do not change rapidly. The relative humidity H R A rapid change of refers to, for example, before executing the loop process from step S1 again after the end of step S3, the relative humidity H R is less than the lower limit value H min and exceeds the upper limit value H max The amount of spray from the ultrasonic vibrator 50 and the opening time of the ventilation port 21 are controlled so that the change amount of the relative humidity H R per loop processing time is equal to or less than the width of the set range. The time taken for each cycle of each loop processing is not particularly limited, but is, for example, performed every 1 second. Also, each loop processing may be performed at different times.

[0045] In addition, in the humidity control in the processing chamber 2, according to the relative humidity in the processing chamber 2, the amplitude of the voltage applied to the ultrasonic vibrator 50 can be adjusted to vibrate, and the amount of sprayed water or the like sprayed into the processing chamber 2 can also be changed. For example, when the relative humidity H R in the processing chamber 2 is smaller than an arbitrary relative humidity (for example, 10%RH) or more than the lower limit value H min in the set range of relative humidity, the amplitude of the applied voltage is increased, and as the difference between the relative humidity H R and the lower limit value H min becomes gradually smaller (for example, 5%RH, 3%RH), the amplitude of the applied voltage can also be gradually decreased.

[0046] Also, in the above humidity control, it is assumed that the opening and closing of the ventilation port 21 can be controlled. When the ventilation port 21 is always in the open state, humidity control is performed by controlling only the ultrasonic vibrator 50. Specifically, when the relative humidity H R in the processing chamber 2 exceeds the upper limit value H max , the ultrasonic vibrator 50 is set to the stationary state, and the relative humidity H RThe ultrasonic vibrator 50 is put into a standby state until it falls within the set range. When there is no opening / closing control of the ventilation port 21, the loop processing time can be made shorter, for example, 0.5 seconds. Thereby, the relative humidity H in the processing chamber 2 R can be prevented from deviating greatly from the set range.

[0047] Next, a temperature control method using the curing device 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of temperature control in the curing device according to the present embodiment. It is assumed that irradiation such as infrared rays by the irradiation unit 3 is stopped at the start of control.

[0048] First, the control unit 6 checks whether the temperature T R (°C) in the processing chamber 2 is within the set range of the preset temperature (T min ≤ T R ≤ T max ). (Step S10). If the temperature T R is within the set range (Step S10: YES), or if the temperature T R exceeds the upper limit value T max (°C), the irradiation of infrared rays or the like by the irradiation unit 3 is stopped or maintained in the stopped state (Step S11), and the temperature in the processing chamber 2 is lowered. Then, a loop process is performed to execute the process from step S10 again. As the temperature T in the processing chamber 2 R , an estimated temperature estimated from the electrical resistance value of the ultrasonic vibrator 50 may be used, or when the humidity detection unit 22 incorporates a temperature sensor, the temperature obtained from the temperature sensor may be used.

[0049] In step S10, when the temperature T in the processing chamber 2 R is not within the set range and is determined to be less than the lower limit value T min (%RH) (T R < T min ), the irradiation of infrared rays or the like by the irradiation unit 3 is started or maintained in the irradiation state (Step S12), and the temperature in the processing chamber 2 is raised. Then, a loop process is performed to execute the process from step S10 again.

[0050] The time taken per cycle of each loop process is not particularly limited, but for example, it is performed every 5 seconds. Also, each loop process may be performed at different times.

[0051] The temperature control and humidity control in the processing chamber 2 described above are carried out simultaneously or individually, and also continuously or intermittently. For example, in humidity control, when the ventilation port 21 is opened, the temperature in the processing chamber 2 also decreases, so temperature control will also be carried out simultaneously with humidity control.

[0052] As described above, since it includes an irradiation unit 3 that irradiates electromagnetic waves into the processing chamber 2, a spraying unit 5 that sprays water or the like in the processing chamber 2 in a mist form using an ultrasonic vibrator 50, and a control unit 6 that controls the operations of the irradiation unit 3 and the spraying unit 5, water or the like sprayed in a mist form can easily penetrate into the vanilla beans B, promoting the hydrolysis reaction using electromagnetic waves as an energy source. The decomposition of glucovanillin, which was insufficient only by the enzymatic reaction, can be advanced by the hydrolysis reaction, and high-quality vanilla beans can be obtained.

[0053] Also, if necessary, the control unit 6 measures the relative humidity H in the processing chamber 2 R When it is less than the lower limit value H of a predetermined set range min a voltage is applied to the ultrasonic vibrator 50 to drive the ultrasonic vibrator 50 into a vibrating state, so that moisture necessary for the hydrolysis of glucovanillin can be provided, an environment suitable for the reaction can be prepared, and higher-quality vanilla beans can be obtained.

[0054] Also, if necessary, according to the relative humidity H R the control unit 6 adjusts the amplitude of the voltage applied to the ultrasonic vibrator 50, so that the spraying amount can be changed according to whether the relative humidity H in the processing chamber 2 R is within or outside a predetermined set range. It is possible to prevent the relative humidity H R from deviating excessively from within the set range, and also shorten the time until the relative humidity H R returns to within the predetermined set range from outside the set range.

[0055] Also, if necessary, the relative humidity H in the processing chamber 2 R exceeds the upper limit value H of the predetermined setting range, the control unit 6 stops the vibration of the ultrasonic vibrator 50 to make it stationary, and opens the ventilation port 21 to take in outside air. As a result, the air in the processing chamber 2 and the outside air with a small amount of moisture per unit volume can be quickly exchanged, and the relative humidity H in the processing chamber 2 max is adjusted to be below the upper limit value H, creating an environment suitable for the hydrolysis reaction and enabling the obtaining of higher-quality vanilla beans. R to the upper limit value H max

[0056] Also, if necessary, since the irradiation unit 3 irradiates infrared rays or far-infrared rays into the processing chamber 2, the vanilla beans B can be heated by the infrared rays or the like to impart thermal energy, and the hydrolysis of glucovanillin can be efficiently advanced.

[0057] Also, if necessary, when the temperature in the processing chamber 2 is lower than the lower limit value H of the predetermined setting range, the control unit 6 starts the irradiation of infrared rays or far-infrared rays by the irradiation unit 3, and when the temperature in the processing chamber 2 exceeds the upper limit value H of the predetermined setting range, the irradiation unit 3 is controlled to stop the irradiation of infrared rays or far-infrared rays. Therefore, while imparting energy for preferably advancing the hydrolysis to the vanilla beans B, it is possible to prevent the vanilla beans B from being overheated and boiled down. min is less than, the irradiation unit 3 starts irradiation of infrared rays or far-infrared rays, and when the temperature in the processing chamber 2 exceeds the upper limit value H of the predetermined setting range max

[0058] Also, if necessary, since the frequency band in which the piezoelectric ceramics 51 vibrates is wider than the frequency band in which the metal plate 52 vibrates, even if the frequency at which the metal plate 52 vibrates changes with the temperature rise in the processing chamber 2, the piezoelectric ceramics 51 and the metal plate 52 can be resonated to spray mist-like water or the like into the processing chamber 2.

[0059] ​​Furthermore, if necessary, the control unit 6 adjusts the frequency of the voltage applied to the ultrasonic vibrator 50 to vibrate the ultrasonic vibrator 50, so that the size of the water droplets sprayed into the processing chamber 2 can be arbitrarily changed according to the degree of penetration into the vanilla beans B.

[0060] (Second Embodiment of the Present Invention) The curing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 5. The curing device according to this embodiment irradiates vanilla beans with microwaves instead of infrared rays or the like. Note that the description overlapping with the first embodiment in this embodiment is omitted.

[0061] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the curing device according to this embodiment. The difference from the configuration of FIG. 1 in FIG. 5 is that it includes an irradiation unit 13 that irradiates vanilla beans B with microwaves and directly heats vanilla beans B with microwaves.

[0062] The curing device 10 according to this embodiment includes a processing chamber 2 that houses pre-fermentation vanilla beans B and can be sealed, an irradiation unit 13 disposed in the processing chamber 2 that irradiates vanilla beans B with microwaves, a storage unit 4 that stores water or the like, a spraying unit 5 that sprays water or the like supplied from the storage unit 4 into the processing chamber 2 in a mist form using an ultrasonic vibrator, and a control unit 6 that controls the operations of the irradiation unit 13 and the spraying unit 5.

[0063] The irradiation unit 13 irradiates vanilla beans B with microwaves to heat them, promotes the hydrolysis of glucovanillin, and increases the production of vanillin. The frequency of the microwave irradiated on the vanilla beans B is preferably in the range of 300 to 3000 MHz, and more preferably in the range of 915 to 2450 MHz. By setting the frequency of the microwave within this range, the rotation of water molecules and the destruction of hydrogen bonds formed between glucovanillin and water molecules can be effectively promoted, and the hydrolysis reaction can be accelerated. Also, within this frequency range, the energy transfer efficiency by the microwave is high, and it can act on the glycosidic bond precisely, so that the hydrolysis reaction can be advanced while minimizing the damage to the sheath of the vanilla beans.

[0064] The control unit 6 controls at least the operations of the irradiation unit 13 and the spraying unit 5. Further, the control unit 6 controls the humidity in the processing chamber 2.

[0065] The control unit 6 controls to irradiate the vanilla beans B with microwaves from the irradiation unit 13 continuously or intermittently. For example, it can also be configured such that the control unit 6 recognizes the color and color unevenness of the vanilla beans B by image recognition or the like and adjusts the irradiation intensity and irradiation direction (irradiation target) of the microwave.

[0066] Also, when microwaves are irradiated into the processing chamber 2, these microwaves may be irradiated on the ultrasonic vibrator 50, and an induced voltage may be generated on the metal plate 52 constituting the ultrasonic vibrator 50. In this case, the control unit 6 may apply a voltage obtained by subtracting the induced voltage component to vibrate the ultrasonic vibrator 50, or the ultrasonic vibrator 50 may be covered with a shielding member having a spray hole that can shield microwaves and through which water or the like sprayed by the ultrasonic vibrator 50 can pass. The shielding member may be grounded.

[0067] As described above, since the irradiation unit 3 irradiates the vanilla beans B accommodated in the processing chamber 2 with microwaves, energy by the microwave can be imparted to the vanilla beans B precisely, and the hydrolysis of glucovanillin can be advanced with high energy efficiency.

[0068] Further, if necessary, the control unit 6 applies a voltage obtained by subtracting the induced voltage generated in the ultrasonic vibrator 50 by microwave irradiation to the ultrasonic vibrator 50. Therefore, even if an induced voltage is generated in the ultrasonic vibrator 50 by microwave irradiation, a desired amount of mist-like water or the like can be accurately sprayed from the ultrasonic vibrator 50.

[0069] In addition, the above-described embodiments can be used in appropriate combinations. For example, the curing device 1 may include both an irradiation unit 3 that irradiates infrared rays or the like and an irradiation unit 13 that irradiates microwaves.

[0070] Further, a water level sensor may be installed in the tank 40. In this case, for example, the control unit 6 can be configured to notify the user by sound, a warning light, or the like when the water level in the tank 40 falls below a predetermined water level.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0071] 1, 10 Curing device 2 Processing chamber 3 Irradiation unit 4 Storage unit 5 Spraying unit 6 Control unit 13 Irradiation unit 20 Placement unit 21 Vent 21a Intake port 21b Exhaust port 21c, 21d Opening / closing door 22 Humidity detection unit 40 Tank 41 Liquid feeding unit 50 Ultrasonic vibrator 51 Piezoelectric ceramics 52 Metal plate 53 Hollow portion 54 Through hole B Vanilla beans

Claims

1. A treatment chamber for accommodating vanilla beans, An irradiation unit for irradiating electromagnetic waves into the treatment chamber, A spraying unit for spraying water or an aqueous solution containing an acid or an oxidizing agent in the treatment chamber into a mist form with an ultrasonic vibrator, A control unit for controlling the operations of the irradiation unit and the spraying unit, The control unit is characterized in that when the relative humidity in the treatment chamber is less than the lower limit value of a predetermined setting range, a voltage is applied to the ultrasonic vibrator to drive the ultrasonic vibrator into a vibrating state. A curing device.

2. In the curing device according to claim 1, The control unit adjusts the amplitude of the voltage applied to the ultrasonic vibrator according to the relative humidity in the treatment chamber, and controls the spraying amount of the water or the aqueous solution in mist form. A curing device.

3. In the curing device according to claim 1, The treatment chamber further includes a ventilation port through which outside air can be taken in, The control unit is characterized in that when the relative humidity in the treatment chamber exceeds the upper limit value of a predetermined setting range, the vibration of the ultrasonic vibrator is stopped to be in a stationary state, and the ventilation port is opened to take in outside air into the treatment chamber. A curing device.

4. In the curing device according to claim 1, The irradiation unit irradiates infrared rays or far-infrared rays into the treatment chamber. A curing device.

5. In the curing device according to claim 4, The control unit is characterized in that when the temperature in the treatment chamber is less than the lower limit value of a predetermined setting range, the irradiation unit starts irradiating infrared rays or far-infrared rays, and when the temperature in the treatment chamber exceeds the upper limit value of the predetermined setting range, the irradiation unit stops irradiating infrared rays or far-infrared rays. A curing device.

6. In the curing device according to claim 1, The irradiation unit irradiates microwave rays onto the vanilla beans accommodated in the treatment chamber. A curing device.

7. In the curing device according to claim 6, The control unit applies a voltage to the ultrasonic vibrator after subtracting the induced voltage generated in the ultrasonic vibrator by microwave irradiation. A curing device.

8. In the curing device according to claim 1, The ultrasonic vibrator has a piezoelectric ceramic and a metal plate that contacts the piezoelectric ceramic and atomizes and sprays the water or the aqueous solution in a mist form in response to the vibration of the piezoelectric ceramic. A curing device, wherein a frequency band in which the piezoelectric ceramic vibrates is wider than a frequency band in which the metal plate vibrates. **Claim 9** In the curing device according to claim 1, a control unit adjusts a frequency of a voltage applied to the ultrasonic vibrator to control a size of water droplets of the water or the aqueous solution to be sprayed. A curing device characterized by the above.

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