A koji storage rack

Abstract

A yeast storage rack, relating to the field of brewing technology, includes a frame comprising an upper plate, a bottom plate, and two side plates. The upper plate and the bottom plate are welded together via the two side plates. The rack is characterized by having several guide slots formed on the inner walls of the side plates, with support plates slidably fitted within these slots. The support plates are stamped with several linearly arrayed elongated positioning slots, each containing at least two yeast cells. A straw mat shading mechanism is provided between the two side plates. This invention effectively fixes the position of the yeast cells and regulates the storage environment through the sliding fit between the guide slots and the support plates, the rectangular placement slot design of the elongated positioning slots, and the covering structure of the straw mat shading mechanism. It offers advantages such as preventing yeast cell tipping, controlling moisture evaporation, and avoiding direct sunlight.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of brewing technology, and more specifically, to a yeast storage rack. Background Technology

[0002] As a core raw material in the brewing process, the storage conditions for yeast starter are subject to strict requirements regarding temperature, humidity, and moisture content. A suitable storage environment needs to maintain a temperature range of 0℃-30℃, a relative humidity of 40%-70%, and a moisture content of 12%-18%. These parameters directly affect the microbial activity and fermentation efficiency of the yeast starter.

[0003] Traditional methods of storing yeast have significant drawbacks: First, ordinary shelves lack yeast positioning structures, making it easy for yeast to tip over during handling or storage, leading to breakage or contamination; Second, open storage exposes yeast directly to the air, making it difficult to control the rate of moisture evaporation, especially in dry environments where the moisture content may quickly drop below the critical value, causing the yeast to lose its activity. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this utility model is to solve the problems mentioned in the background art above, and to propose a yeast storage rack.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is: A yeast storage rack includes a frame, which includes an upper plate, a bottom plate, and two side plates. The upper plate and the bottom plate are welded together by the two side plates. A plurality of guide slots are formed on the inner wall of the side plates. A support plate is slidably fitted in the guide slots. A plurality of linear array of limiting slots are stamped on the support plate. At least two yeasts are placed in the limiting slots. A straw curtain shading mechanism is provided between the two side plates.

[0006] Furthermore, several rectangular placement slots are stamped within the limiting groove, and the length of the rectangular placement slots is consistent with the length of the yeast.

[0007] Furthermore, the frame is equipped with support feet at the bottom.

[0008] Furthermore, a support rod is provided between the upper plate and the bottom plate, and several support plates are provided on the support rod.

[0009] Furthermore, when the support plate slides into the guide slot and the rear end of the support plate abuts against the support rod, the support plate is located directly below the support plate.

[0010] Furthermore, the support rod is located between the two side plates.

[0011] Furthermore, a central protrusion is formed between the two stamped limiting grooves, and an insertion port is formed at the bottom of the central protrusion, with the support plate located within the insertion port.

[0012] Furthermore, the straw curtain shading mechanism includes several rotating shafts located between two side plates. A sleeve is installed on the rotating shaft, and a straw curtain is wound around the sleeve. The straw curtain can be pulled out from the back of the frame and cover the yeast on the front side of the frame.

[0013] Furthermore, the highest point of the sleeve is lower than the height of the yeast.

[0014] Furthermore, an installation plate is provided between the two side plates, and a flexible sponge is provided on the installation plate, with the flexible sponge located directly below the roll.

[0015] Furthermore, when the straw mat is completely wrapped around the roll, the straw mat can compress the flexible sponge to deform.

[0016] Furthermore, the front end of the support plate is provided with a limiting plate, and bolts are installed on the limiting plate. The bolts can be threaded into the threaded holes of the two side plates.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are: through the sliding cooperation between the guide groove and the support plate, the rectangular placement groove design of the limiting long groove, and the covering structure of the straw curtain shading mechanism, this utility model effectively fixes the position of the yeast and regulates the storage environment, and has the advantages of preventing the yeast from tipping over, controlling moisture evaporation, and avoiding direct sunlight. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is the front view of the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention; Figure 4 for Figure 2 A magnified view of a section at point B in the middle; The components include: 1 support rod, 11 support plate, 41 mounting plate, 42 flexible sponge, 43 rotating shaft, 44 straw curtain, 45 sleeve, S1 insertion port, 100 frame, 101 base plate, 102 upper plate, 103 side plate, 1031 guide groove, 104 support foot, 200 support plate, 201 limiting long groove, 2011 rectangular placement groove, 202 limiting plate, and 300 yeast. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present utility model, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model. The present utility model will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments: In existing technologies, the storage of yeast carries the risk of spillage and rapid moisture loss. Traditional storage racks lack effective securing devices, leaving the yeast directly exposed to the air, leading to decreased moisture content and affecting microbial activity. Conventional storage equipment struggles to balance ventilation requirements with humidity control, especially when environmental temperature and humidity fluctuate, making it difficult to maintain a stable state for the yeast.

[0020] To address these issues, researchers observed that the tipping of the yeast starter primarily stemmed from an unstable supporting structure, while moisture loss was related to excessive exposed area. Analysis of the yeast starter's physical properties revealed that its cuboid shape was suitable for linear, fixed arrangement. Based on this, they considered incorporating a limiting device into the supporting structure and designing an adjustable covering device to reduce air contact. After multiple structural optimizations, a solution was ultimately developed that combines a sliding support mechanism with a shading mechanism.

[0021] like Figures 1-4 As shown, a yeast storage rack includes a frame 100, which includes an upper plate 102, a bottom plate 101, and two side plates 103. The upper plate and the bottom plate are welded together by the two side plates. A plurality of guide slots 1031 are formed on the inner wall of the side plates. A support plate 200 is slidably fitted in the guide slots. A plurality of linear array of limiting slots 201 are stamped on the support plate. At least two yeast 300s are placed in the limiting slots. A straw curtain shading mechanism is provided between the two side plates.

[0022] The guide slot refers to the transverse sliding rail structure opened on the inner wall of the side plate, which can be processed by stamping and is used to guide the movement of the support plate and keep it in a horizontal state. The limiting groove is a strip-shaped groove stamped on the surface of the support plate. The spacing of the grooves is set according to the size of the yeast, and it prevents the yeast from shifting laterally through physical barriers. The straw curtain shading mechanism includes a rotatable and retractable plant fiber covering layer. The coverage area is adjusted by the cooperation of the sleeve and the rotating shaft. The sleeve is installed at a height lower than the stacking height of the yeast to ensure complete shading.

[0023] Specifically, the frame is welded to form a rigid structure, with the guide slots on the side plates forming a sliding pair with the edges of the support plates. When the support plates are pushed into the frame along the guide slots, the limiting grooves divide the yeast into independent storage units. The straw mat, after being rotated and unfolded via a pivot, covers the surface of the yeast from the back of the frame to the front, forming an adjustable shading layer. After the support plates are pushed into place, the insertion port at the bottom of the central protrusion of the limiting groove engages with the support plate of the support rod, enhancing structural stability.

[0024] Compared to existing technologies, this solution achieves orderly arrangement of yeast through the cooperation of sliding supports and limiting grooves, solving the problem of easy tipping over in traditional shelf structures. The deployable straw curtain mechanism replaces the fixed top cover design, ensuring ventilation while reducing the yeast's exposure time. The synergistic effect of the guide grooves and support rods enhances the load-bearing stability of the support plate, preventing displacement caused by external forces.

[0025] Through the above technical solutions, this application achieves precise positioning and humidity maintenance during yeast storage. The limiting groove effectively prevents the yeast from shifting or tipping over during movement, while the adjustable straw mat ensures necessary ventilation while reducing moisture evaporation. The sliding fit design between the support plate and the guide groove facilitates storage and retrieval operations.

[0026] Furthermore, a plurality of rectangular placement slots 2011 are formed by stamping within the limiting long slot. The length of the rectangular placement slots is the same as the length of the yeast, or slightly longer than the length of the yeast.

[0027] The rectangular placement groove refers to an independent partitioned area formed by further stamping within the limiting long groove. This can be achieved using a step-by-step stamping process, and its length matches the size of the yeast starter to create a suitable space. The length of the yeast starter refers to its actual dimension along the length of the support plate, which can be determined by measuring the average length of the yeast starter, and is used to guide the dimensional design of the rectangular placement groove.

[0028] Specifically, the support plate vibrates or shifts as it slides along the guide groove. The length of the rectangular placement groove is set to be the same as or slightly longer than the length of the yeast, thus confining the yeast within the groove and preventing it from sliding back and forth. When the support plate moves, the contact area between the yeast and the groove wall is controlled within a suitable range, preventing the yeast from tipping over due to excessive gaps, and also preventing the frictional resistance between the yeast and the groove wall from increasing due to insufficient gaps.

[0029] Furthermore, the bottom of the frame is provided with support feet 104.

[0030] In at least one embodiment, a support rod 1 is provided between the upper plate and the bottom plate, and a plurality of support plates 11 are provided on the support rod.

[0031] The support rod is a rod-shaped structure connecting the upper and lower plates. It can be made of welded or bolted metal round or square tubes. Its function is to enhance the longitudinal load-bearing capacity of the frame and prevent deformation when the support plate is fully loaded with yeast. The support plate is a plate-shaped component fixed to the support rod. It can be made of horizontally arranged metal plates connected by welding or snap-fit. Its function is to provide vertical support points for the support plate. When the support plate is fully pushed into the guide slot, the support plate and the support plate form a contact surface, limiting the sinking or displacement of the support plate due to external forces.

[0032] In a more detailed design, when the support plate slides into the guide slot and its rear end abuts against the support rod, the support plate is positioned directly below the support plate. Through this technical solution, this application ensures that the support plate remains horizontal when supporting the yeast, preventing the yeast from tipping over due to bending of the plate.

[0033] Furthermore, the support rod is located between the two side plates.

[0034] Furthermore, a central protrusion is formed between the two stamped limiting grooves, and an insertion port S1 is formed at the bottom of the central protrusion, with the support plate located inside the insertion port.

[0035] The central protrusion refers to a raised structure formed between adjacent limiting slots through a stamping process, specifically using a die stamping process. Simultaneously, the central protrusion, formed by stamping, naturally creates an insertion port at its bottom. This opening is used to accommodate the support plate, and the longitudinal displacement of the support plate is restricted through the cooperation between the support plate and the insertion port. The support plate being within the insertion port means that the plate-like structure on the support rod is embedded in the insertion port at the bottom of the central protrusion.

[0036] In at least one embodiment, the straw curtain shading mechanism includes a plurality of rotating shafts 43 located between two side plates, a sleeve 45 mounted on the rotating shaft, and a straw curtain 44 wound around the sleeve, the straw curtain being able to be pulled out from the back of the frame and cover the yeast on the front side of the frame.

[0037] The rotating shaft is a horizontally arranged cylindrical support component, which can be made of metal rods or plastic tubing. Its two ends are mounted on the inner side of the side plate via bearings or fixed seats, supporting the sleeve and enabling the unfolding and rewinding of the straw mat. The sleeve is a cylindrical structure fitted over the rotating shaft, which can be made of hollow plastic tubing or metal sleeve. Its outer surface is fixedly connected to the end of the straw mat, used to wind or unwind the straw mat when the rotating shaft rotates. The straw mat is a sheet-like covering made of plant fibers, such as straw, bamboo strips, or reeds. Its width matches the width of the frame, and when unfolded, it completely blocks the yeast from direct sunlight.

[0038] Specifically, the straw mat is initially wrapped around the surface of the sleeve. When it needs to cover the yeast, the free end of the straw mat is manually pulled to unfold it from the back of the frame and extend it forward until it completely covers the yeast stacking area. The rotation of the shaft and the sleeve ensures that the straw mat is smoothly unfolded and retracted, preventing it from tearing due to pulling. After covering, the edges of the straw mat can be temporarily fixed to the front of the frame using hooks or strips to form a continuous shade barrier.

[0039] Through the above technical solution, this application solves the problem of rapid decrease in moisture content caused by exposure of yeast. The sealed space formed by the straw mat effectively slows down the rate of moisture evaporation. At the same time, the mechanical structure of the rotating shaft and sleeve makes the straw mat easy to put on and take off, avoiding equipment damage caused by frequent disassembly.

[0040] Furthermore, the highest point of the sleeve is lower than the height of the yeast starter, a design that allows for better coverage of the yeast starter.

[0041] The highest point of the sleeve refers to the vertical distance from the top of the sleeve to the supporting surface. This height setting ensures that the straw mat makes close contact with the surface of the yeast when covering it. The yeast height refers to the vertical height of the yeast on the support plate, which can be determined by measuring the height of the yeast. This parameter setting prevents gaps from forming during the straw mat covering process due to the sleeve being too high.

[0042] Specifically, when the highest point of the sleeve is set below the height of the yeast, the straw mat wrapped around the sleeve, when unfolded, can completely cover the three-dimensional space formed by the stacked yeast. As the straw mat is pulled out to cover the front of the frame, because the top of the sleeve remains below the height of the stacked yeast, the straw mat naturally droops, forming a wrapping covering structure. This structure effectively prevents direct contact between the yeast and the outside air, while also avoiding any gaps between the covering and the yeast.

[0043] Furthermore, an installation plate 41 is provided between the two side plates, and a flexible sponge 42 is provided on the installation plate, which is located directly below the roll.

[0044] The solution is further refined so that when the straw mat is completely wrapped around the roll, the straw mat can compress the flexible sponge to cause deformation.

[0045] The mounting plate refers to the plate-like structure fixed between the side plates. It can be made of metal or plastic plates connected by welding or bolts, and is used to support the flexible sponge and maintain its positional stability. The flexible sponge is an elastic, porous material, specifically polyurethane or rubber sponge, fixed to the mounting plate by adhesive or clips. Its compression deformation prevents accidental rotation of the straw mat.

[0046] In at least one embodiment, a limiting plate 202 is provided at the front end of the support plate, and bolts are installed on the limiting plate. The bolts can be threaded into the threaded holes of the two side plates, thereby restricting the relative movement between the frame and the support plate. The limiting plate refers to a plate-like structure fixed to the front edge of the support plate, which can be implemented by welding or riveting metal plates, and is used to prevent the support plate from sliding forward.

[0047] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. The descriptions of the above embodiments and specifications are merely illustrative of the principles of this utility model. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A yeast storage rack, comprising a frame, the frame including an upper plate, a bottom plate, and two side plates, wherein the upper plate and the bottom plate are welded together by the two side plates, characterized in that, The inner wall of the side plate has several guide slots, and a support plate is slidably fitted in the guide slots. Several linear array of limiting slots are stamped on the support plate, and at least two pieces of yeast are placed in the limiting slots. A straw curtain shading mechanism is provided between the two side plates.

2. The yeast storage rack according to claim 1, characterized in that, Several rectangular placement slots are formed by stamping within the limiting long groove, and the length of the rectangular placement slots is consistent with the length of the yeast.

3. The yeast storage rack according to claim 1, characterized in that, A support rod is provided between the upper plate and the bottom plate, and several support plates are provided on the support rod.

4. The yeast storage rack according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the support plate slides into the guide slot and the rear end of the support plate abuts against the support rod, the support plate is located directly below the support plate.

5. The yeast storage rack according to claim 3, characterized in that, A central protrusion is formed between the two stamped limiting grooves, and an insertion port is formed at the bottom of the central protrusion, with the support plate located inside the insertion port.

6. The yeast storage rack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The straw curtain shading mechanism includes several rotating shafts located between two side plates. A sleeve is installed on the rotating shaft, and a straw curtain is wound around the sleeve. The straw curtain can be pulled out from the back of the frame and cover the yeast on the front of the frame.

7. The yeast storage rack according to claim 6, characterized in that, The highest point of the sleeve is lower than the height of the yeast.

8. The yeast storage rack according to claim 1, characterized in that, An installation plate is provided between the two side plates, and a flexible sponge is provided on the installation plate, which is located directly below the roll.

9. The yeast storage rack according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the straw mat is completely wrapped around the roll, it can compress the flexible sponge and cause it to deform.

10. The yeast storage rack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The front end of the support plate is provided with a limiting plate, and bolts are installed on the limiting plate. The bolts can be threaded into the threaded holes of the two side plates.

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