Semi-automatic cotton bale breaker
The semi-automatic cotton unpacking machine efficiently separates paper tags from cotton using push-out needles, automating the process and improving unpacking efficiency.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202510508805.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-22
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-15
AI Technical Summary
Current methods for unpacking baled cotton require manual separation of paper tags from cotton, increasing labor costs and reducing efficiency.
A semi-automatic cotton unpacking machine with a push-out mechanism, including an elevation mechanism and a collection mechanism, separates paper tags from cotton by pushing them out of the bale using push-out needles, and collects cotton in a separate compartment.
Automates the separation of paper tags from cotton, improving unpacking efficiency by reducing manual labor and enhancing the speed of cotton collection.
Smart Images

Figure CN120308451A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the technical field of unpacking equipment, and particularly to a semi-automatic cotton unpacking machine. Background Art
[0002] Cotton is one of the most important crops in the world.
[0003] When transporting, cotton needs to be packed. The cotton is stuffed into the interior of a material box, and a paper label is placed on the top of the material box. When unpacking, the material box is placed inside the unpacking device. First, the paper label is taken out, and then the cotton inside the material box is pushed out to complete the unpacking.
[0004] Currently, due to changes in production requirements, the paper label needs to be placed at the bottom of the material box, and then cotton is pressed into the material box. When unpacking, the paper label and the cotton cannot be pushed out separately, and manual picking from the cotton is required, which increases the labor cost and reduces the working efficiency of cotton unpacking. Summary of the Invention
[0005] In order to improve the working efficiency of cotton unpacking, this application provides a semi-automatic cotton unpacking machine.
[0006] The semi-automatic cotton unpacking machine provided by this application adopts the following technical solution: A semi-automatic cotton unpacking machine includes a machine case, a lifting mechanism disposed inside the machine case, and a pushing mechanism connected to the lifting mechanism. The machine case is provided with a collection bin. The pushing mechanism includes a pushing platform fixedly connected to the lifting mechanism, a pushing guide rod fixedly connected to the pushing platform, a mounting plate fixedly connected to the pushing guide rod, a pushing plate slidably connected to the pushing guide rod, a pushing cylinder fixedly connected to the mounting plate, and a pushing needle connected to the pushing plate. The pushing platform is fixedly connected to the lifting mechanism and moves along the vertical direction. The pushing guide rod is fixedly connected to the surface of the pushing platform away from the ground, and the length direction of the pushing guide rod is parallel to the vertical direction. The mounting plate is fixedly connected to the end of the pushing guide rod away from the ground. The pushing plate is slidably connected to the pushing guide rod along the vertical direction. The pushing cylinder is fixedly connected to the surface of the mounting plate away from the ground, and the output end of the pushing cylinder is fixedly connected to the surface of the pushing plate. A pushing spring is disposed at the top of the pushing needle. One end of the pushing spring abuts against the surface of the pushing platform away from the ground, and the other end of the pushing spring abuts against the top end of the pushing needle. The pushing needle passes through and is slidably connected to the pushing platform. The top of the pushing needle is located between the pushing platform and the pushing plate. The collection bin is located directly below the pushing platform.
[0007] By adopting the above technical solution, after the pushing cylinder is activated, the pushing plate moves along the axis direction of the pushing guide rod. The pushing plate pushes the pushing needle to move. The pushing needle firmly pierces the paper label and pushes the cotton out of the material box. The paper label stays on the pushing needle, and the cotton falls into the collection bin, realizing the separation of the cotton and the paper label. There is no need for the user to sort the paper label from the cotton, improving the efficiency of cotton unpacking.
[0008] Optionally, the lifting mechanism includes a lifting plate connected to the chassis, a lifting cylinder fixedly connected to the lifting plate, and a lifting slider connected to the lifting cylinder. Lifting guide rails are arranged on both sides of the lifting plate. The lifting slider is slidably connected to the lifting guide rails. The pushing platform is fixedly connected to the lifting slider. The output end of the lifting cylinder moves along the vertical direction, and the output end of the lifting cylinder is fixedly connected to the pushing platform.
[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, after the lifting cylinder is activated, it drives the pushing platform to move along the vertical direction, achieving the purpose of the user placing or removing the material box.
[0010] Optionally, it further includes an aggregating mechanism connected to the inside of the chassis. The aggregating mechanism includes an aggregating guide rail arranged on the chassis, an aggregating slider slidably connected to the aggregating guide rail, an aggregating plate fixedly connected to the aggregating slider, and an aggregating cylinder fixedly connected to the chassis. The aggregating guide rail passes through the collection bin. The output end of the aggregating cylinder is fixedly connected to the aggregating plate. The aggregating plate makes a reciprocating movement inside the collection bin. The aggregating slider and the aggregating plate move along the horizontal direction, and the aggregating guide rail is located on the side directly below the pushing mechanism. The output end of the aggregating cylinder moves along the horizontal direction.
[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, after the user activates the aggregating cylinder, it drives the aggregating plate to move inside the collection bin along the aggregating guide rail. When the pushing mechanism pushes the cotton out of the material box, it accelerates the speed of the cotton falling into the collection bin, improving the efficiency of cotton unpacking.
[0012] Optionally, it further includes a removing mechanism arranged on the chassis. The removing mechanism includes a fan connected to the chassis, and the air flow of the fan passes through the collection bin.
[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, when the lifting mechanism drives the pushing mechanism to move and withdraws the pushing needle from the inside of the material box, the paper label is removed, and the air flow of the fan blows the paper label off, realizing the collection of the paper label, facilitating the user to clean up, and improving the efficiency of cotton unpacking.
[0014] Optionally, the number of the pushing needles is multiple, and the multiple pushing needles are evenly distributed on the surface of the pushing platform.
[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, the purpose of simultaneously pushing out the cotton in each grid inside the material box is achieved, and the efficiency of cotton unpacking is improved.
[0016] Optionally, polymerization guide rails are arranged at both ends of the polymerization plate.
[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, the stable movement of the polymerization plate is enabled.
[0018] Optionally, the removal mechanism further includes a removal cylinder connected to the chassis and a baffle plate connected to the removal cylinder. The baffle plate is fixedly connected to the output end of the removal cylinder. The baffle plate shields the end of the collection bin, and the baffle plate is located below the polymerization plate.
[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, after starting the removal cylinder, the baffle plate opens the blockage of the collection bin, so that the paper labels are blown into the aggregation part, facilitating the user to clean.
[0020] Optionally, the chassis is provided with an air outlet part. The fan is fixedly connected to the air outlet part. The air outlet part is provided with a partition plate. The partition plate divides the air outlet part into an upper air outlet part and a lower air outlet part. The fan is arranged in the upper air outlet part. The partition plate is provided with air vents. The removal mechanism further includes an air distribution plate. The air distribution plate faces the baffle plate. A plurality of air outlet holes are arranged on the surface of the air distribution plate.
[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, the purpose of the air blowing through the collection bin is achieved, and the aggregation and cleaning of the paper labels are realized.
[0022] In summary, the present application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: In the pushing mechanism and the lifting mechanism of the present application, after starting the lifting mechanism, the user can place or take out the material box below the pushing mechanism. At the same time, after the user starts the pushing mechanism, the paper labels and the cotton can be separated by the pushing needles, improving the unpacking efficiency of the user; In the polymerization mechanism of the present application, the speed of the cotton falling into the collection bin can be accelerated, improving the unpacking efficiency of the user's cotton; In the removal mechanism of the present application, the paper labels are blown out by the wind, achieving the purpose of rapid collection, aggregation and cleaning, and improving the unpacking efficiency of the cotton. Description of the Drawings
[0023] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a semi-automatic cotton unpacking machine disclosed in an embodiment of the present application.
[0024] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a semi-automatic cotton unpacking machine with some mechanisms of the chassis removed in an embodiment of the present application.
[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram in the embodiment of the present application aiming to emphasize the connection relationship between the lifting mechanism and the pushing mechanism.
[0026] Figure 4 It is Figure 3 a partial enlarged view of position A in
[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic structural diagram in the embodiment of the present application aiming to emphasize the connection relationship between the polymerization mechanism and the collection bin.
[0028] Figure 6 It is Figure 5 a partial enlarged view of position B in
[0029] Figure 7 This is a schematic structural diagram aiming to emphasize the position of the fan.
[0030] Figure 8 It is Figure 7 a partial enlarged view of position C in
[0031] Figure 9 This is a schematic structural diagram aiming to emphasize the position of the air distribution plate.
[0032] Figure 10 It is Figure 9 a partial enlarged view of position D in
[0033] Explanation of reference numerals: 1. Chassis; 11. Collection bin; 12. Air outlet part; 121. Partition plate; 13. Collection part; 14. Aggregation part; 2. Lifting mechanism; 21. Lifting plate; 211. Lifting guide rail; 22. Lifting cylinder; 23. Lifting slider; 3. Pushing mechanism; 31. Pushing platform; 32. Pushing guide rod; 33. Mounting plate; 34. Pushing plate; 35. Pushing cylinder; 36. Pushing needle; 361. Pushing spring; 4. Polymerization mechanism; 41. Polymerization guide rail; 42. Polymerization slider; 43. Polymerization plate; 44. Polymerization cylinder; 5. Removal mechanism; 51. Fan; 52. Removal cylinder; 53. Baffle plate; 54. Air distribution plate. Detailed implementation manners
[0034] The following further elaborates on the present application in conjunction with the attached Figure 1 - attached Figure 10 drawings.
[0035] Currently, in order to improve the working efficiency of cotton unpacking, the embodiment of the present application proposes a semi-automatic cotton unpacking machine.
[0036] The embodiment of the present application discloses a semi-automatic cotton unpacking machine. Refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2A semi-automatic cotton unpacking machine includes a chassis 1, a lifting mechanism 2 arranged inside the chassis 1, a pushing mechanism 3 connected to the lifting mechanism 2, a gathering mechanism 4 connected to the inside of the chassis 1, and a removing mechanism 5 arranged in the chassis 1. The chassis 1 is provided with a collecting bin 11, a collecting portion 13, an air outlet 12, and a gathering portion 14. The air outlet 12 and the gathering portion 14 are respectively located on both sides of the collecting portion 13. The collecting bin 11 and the lifting mechanism 2 are located inside the collecting portion 13. When unpacking, the material box is inverted and clamped inside the collecting portion 13, and the bottom hole of the material box is located at the top. At this time, the material The box is located above the collecting bin 11. The user starts the lifting mechanism 2 to drive the pushing mechanism 3 to move in the vertical direction, so that the user can place or take out the material box. When the user has placed the material box, the lifting mechanism 2 is started to adjust the position of the pushing mechanism 3, and the pushing mechanism 3 is started to tie the paper label inside the material box and push the cotton out of the material box. At this time, the paper label is separated from the cotton, and the paper label is located on the pushing mechanism 3. The cotton falls into the collecting bin 11, realizing the separation of the paper label and the cotton. The user does not need to find the paper label inside the cotton, thereby improving the efficiency of cotton unpacking.
[0037] Furthermore, when the cotton is pushed out of the material box by the pushing mechanism 3, the aggregation mechanism 4 gathers the cotton to improve the efficiency of the cotton falling into the collecting bin 11 and the efficiency of unpacking. At the same time, when the cotton is collected, the user lifts it to the pushing mechanism 3 so that the material box scrapes the paper label off the pushing mechanism 3, and opens the removal mechanism 5 to remove the paper label from the collecting bin 11 or the collecting part 13. There is no need for the user to pick it up manually, which improves the efficiency of cotton unpacking.
[0038] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The lifting mechanism 2 includes a lifting plate 21 connected to the chassis 1, a lifting cylinder 22 fixedly connected to the lifting plate 21, and a lifting slider 23 connected to the lifting cylinder 22. Lifting guide rails 211 are arranged on both sides of the lifting plate 21. The lifting slider 23 is slidably connected to the lifting guide rails 211. The output end of the lifting cylinder 22 moves along the vertical direction. The ejection mechanism 3 is fixedly connected to the lifting slider 23, and the output end of the lifting cylinder 22 is fixedly connected to the ejection mechanism 3, so that the ejection mechanism 3 can move stably along the vertical direction, thereby achieving the purpose of the user placing or taking out the material box into the chassis 1.
[0039] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4, the ejection mechanism 3 includes an ejection platform 31 fixedly connected to the lifting mechanism 2, an ejection guide rod 32 fixedly connected to the ejection platform 31, a mounting plate 33 fixedly connected to the ejection guide rod 32, an ejection plate 34 slidably connected to the ejection guide rod 32, an ejection cylinder 35 fixedly connected to the mounting plate 33, and an ejection needle 36 connected to the ejection plate 34. Both sides of the ejection platform 31 are fixedly connected to the lifting sliders 23, and the output end of the lifting cylinder 22 is fixedly connected to the ejection platform 31. When the user starts the lifting cylinder 22, it drives the ejection platform 31 to move in the vertical direction, achieving the purpose of the ejection platform 31 moving in the vertical direction and the purpose of the user placing or removing the material box.
[0040] Furthermore, the ejection guide rod 32 is fixedly connected to the surface of the ejection platform 31 away from the ground, the length direction of the ejection guide rod 32 is parallel to the vertical direction, the mounting plate 33 is fixedly connected to the end of the ejection guide rod 32 away from the ground, the number of ejection guide rods 32 on each mounting plate 33 is multiple. In the embodiment of the present application, the number of ejection guide rods 32 on each mounting plate 33 is four, and the four ejection guide rods 32 are evenly distributed at the corners of the mounting plate 33. The ejection plate 34 is slidably connected to the ejection guide rod 32 in the vertical direction, the ejection cylinder 35 is fixedly connected to the surface of the mounting plate 33 away from the ground, and the output end of the ejection cylinder 35 is fixedly connected to the surface of the ejection plate 34. When the user starts the ejection cylinder 35, under the limitation of the ejection guide rod 32, the ejection plate 34 can move in the direction close to or away from the mounting plate 33.
[0041] Refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4, a push spring 361 is arranged at the top of the push pin 36. The number of push pins 36 is multiple, and the multiple push pins 36 are evenly distributed on the surface of the push platform 31. The number of push pins 36 is equal to the number of holes in the material box, so as to achieve the purpose of pushing all the cotton out of the material box. One end of the push spring 361 abuts against the surface of the push platform 31 far away from the ground, and the other end of the push spring 361 abuts against the top end of the push pin 36. A plurality of needle-shaped tips are arranged at one end of each push pin 36 away from the push spring 361. The push pin 36 passes through and is slidably connected to the push platform 31, and the push pin 36 penetrates into the holes inside the material box. The top of the push pin 36 is located between the push platform 31 and the push plate 34. The collection bin 11 is located directly below the push platform 31. When the user activates the push cylinder 35, the push plate 34 moves towards the direction close to the top of the push pin 36 and squeezes the push pin 36. At this time, the push pin 36 enters the inside of the hole in the material box, and at the same time the push spring 361 is compressed. The needle-shaped end of the push pin 36 pierces into the paper label, and at the same time the cotton is pushed into the inside of the collection bin 11, realizing the separation of the cotton and the paper label, completing the collection of the cotton, improving the unpacking efficiency. When the user activates the push cylinder 35 to lift the push plate 34, the push spring 361 resets the push pin 36, facilitating the user to perform the next operation.
[0042] Refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the aggregation mechanism 4 is located at the aggregation part 14. The aggregation mechanism 4 includes an aggregation guide rail 41 arranged on the chassis 1, an aggregation slider 42 slidably connected to the aggregation guide rail 41, an aggregation plate 43 fixedly connected to the aggregation slider 42, and an aggregation cylinder 44 fixedly connected to the chassis 1. The number of aggregation guide rails 41 is two, and the two aggregation guide rails 41 are respectively arranged at both ends of the aggregation plate 43 to realize the stable movement of the aggregation plate 43. At the same time, the aggregation guide rail 41 passes through the collection bin 11. The output end of the aggregation cylinder 44 is fixedly connected to the aggregation plate 43 to achieve the purpose of the aggregation slider 42 and the aggregation plate 43 moving along the horizontal direction. And the aggregation guide rail 41 is located on the side directly below the pushing mechanism 3, so that the movement of the aggregation plate 43 is directly below the pushing mechanism 3. The output end of the aggregation cylinder 44 moves along the horizontal direction. When the user activates the aggregation cylinder 44, the aggregation cylinder 44 pushes the aggregation plate 43 to move along the length direction of the aggregation guide rail 41. At this time, the cotton pushed out of the material box is pushed, so that the cotton can be separated from the material box more quickly, realizing the rapid collection of the cotton and improving the efficiency of cotton unpacking and collection.
[0043] At the same time, the aggregation plate 43 makes a reciprocating movement inside the collection bin 11. After the aggregation plate 43 finishes pushing the cotton, it can return to its original position and wait for the next pushing movement.
[0044] Refer to Figures 5 - 10, the removing mechanism 5 includes a fan 51 connected to the chassis 1, a removing cylinder 52 connected to the chassis 1, a baffle 53 connected to the removing cylinder 52, and a wind - equalizing plate 54 connected to the air - outlet part 12. The wind - equalizing plate 54 faces the baffle 53. The wind - equalizing plate 54 and the baffle 53 are respectively located on both sides of the collection bin 11, and the baffle 53 is located below the polymerization plate 43. The air flow of the fan 51 passes through the collection bin 11. The baffle 53 is fixedly connected to the output end of the removing cylinder 52. The baffle 53 blocks the end of the collection bin 11. The baffle 53 is slidably connected to the end of the polymerization guide rail 41. The baffle 53 is located below the polymerization plate 43. At the same time, both ends of the baffle 53 are respectively connected with two polymerization sliders 42. The polymerization sliders 42 on the polymerization plate 43 are located between the polymerization sliders 42 on the baffle 53 and the baffle 53. When the removing cylinder 52 moves, it drives the baffle 53 to move towards or away from the notch of the collection bin 11. The fan 51 is fixedly connected to the top of the air - outlet part 12. The air - outlet part 12 is provided with a partition plate 121. The partition plate 121 divides the air - outlet part 12 into an upper air - outlet part 12 and a lower air - outlet part 12. The fan 51 is arranged in the upper air - outlet part 12. The partition plate 121 is provided with air vents. The surface of the wind - equalizing plate 54 is provided with a plurality of air - outlet holes. When the user starts the removing cylinder 52 to make a gap between the baffle 53 and the notch of the collection bin 11 and starts the fan 51, the air flow flows into the lower air - outlet part 12 from the air vents and enters the collection bin 11 through the plurality of air - outlet holes on the surface of the wind - equalizing plate 54. When the pushing mechanism 3 moves in the vertically upward direction, the pushing needle 36 is withdrawn from the hole of the material box. The paper label on the pushing needle 36 cannot pass through the hole of the material box, so it falls from the material box. At this time, the air flow of the fan 51 blows the paper label from the collection bin 11 into the aggregation part 14, realizing the separation of the paper label and the cotton, facilitating the user to aggregate and clean the paper label, and improving the efficiency of cotton unpacking.
[0045] At the same time, the plurality of air - outlet holes enable the air flow to enter the interior of the collection bin 11 stably and evenly, facilitating the blowing out of the paper label.
[0046] The above are all the preferred embodiments of this application. The protection scope of this application is not limited hereby. Therefore, all equivalent changes made according to the structure, shape, and principle of this application should be covered within the protection scope of this application.
Claims
1. A semi-automatic cotton unpacking machine, characterized in that: It includes a chassis (1), a lifting mechanism (2) arranged inside the chassis (1), and a pushing mechanism (3) connected to the lifting mechanism (2). The chassis (1) is provided with a collection bin (11). The pushing mechanism (3) includes a pushing platform (31) fixedly connected to the lifting mechanism (2), a pushing guide rod (32) fixedly connected to the pushing platform (31), a mounting plate (33) fixedly connected to the pushing guide rod (32), a pushing plate (34) slidably connected to the pushing guide rod (32), a pushing cylinder (35) fixedly connected to the mounting plate (33), and a pushing needle (36) connected to the pushing plate (34). The pushing platform (31) is fixedly connected to the lifting mechanism (2), and the pushing platform (31) moves along the vertical direction. The pushing guide rod (32) is fixedly connected to the surface of the pushing platform (31) away from the ground, and the length direction of the pushing guide rod (32) is parallel to the vertical direction. The mounting plate (33) is fixedly connected to the end of the pushing guide rod (32) away from the ground. The pushing plate (34) is slidably connected to the pushing guide rod (32) along the vertical direction. The pushing cylinder (35) is fixedly connected to the surface of the mounting plate (33) away from the ground, and the output end of the pushing cylinder (35) is fixedly connected to the surface of the pushing plate (34). A pushing spring (361) is arranged at the top of the pushing needle (36). One end of the pushing spring (361) abuts against the surface of the pushing platform (31) away from the ground, and the other end of the pushing spring (361) abuts against the top end of the pushing needle (36). The pushing needle (36) passes through and is slidably connected to the pushing platform (31). The top of the pushing needle (36) is located between the pushing platform (31) and the pushing plate (34). The collection bin (11) is located directly below the pushing platform (31).
2. The semi-automatic cotton unpacking machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lifting mechanism (2) includes a lifting plate (21) connected to the chassis (1), a lifting cylinder (22) fixedly connected to the lifting plate (21), and a lifting slider (23) connected to the lifting cylinder (22). Lifting guide rails (211) are arranged on both sides of the lifting plate (21). The lifting slider (23) is slidably connected to the lifting guide rails (211). The pushing platform (31) is fixedly connected to the lifting slider (23). The output end of the lifting cylinder (22) moves along the vertical direction, and the output end of the lifting cylinder (22) is fixedly connected to the pushing platform (31).
3. The semi-automatic cotton unpacking machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: It further includes an aggregating mechanism (4) connected inside the chassis (1). The aggregating mechanism (4) includes an aggregating guide rail (41) arranged on the chassis (1), an aggregating slider (42) slidably connected to the aggregating guide rail (41), an aggregating plate (43) fixedly connected to the aggregating slider (42), and an aggregating cylinder (44) fixedly connected to the chassis (1). The aggregating guide rail (41) passes through the collection bin (11). The output end of the aggregating cylinder (44) is fixedly connected to the aggregating plate (43). The aggregating plate (43) makes a reciprocating motion inside the collection bin (11). The aggregating slider (42) and the aggregating plate (43) move along the horizontal direction, and the aggregating guide rail (41) is located on the side directly below the pushing mechanism (3). The output end of the aggregating cylinder (44) moves along the horizontal direction.
4. A semi-automatic cotton unpacking machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: It further includes a removing mechanism (5) arranged on the chassis (1). The removing mechanism (5) includes a fan (51) connected to the chassis (1). The air flow of the fan (51) passes through the collection bin (11).
5. A semi-automatic cotton unpacking machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of the pushing needles (36) is multiple, and the multiple pushing needles (36) are evenly distributed on the surface of the pushing platform (31).
6. The semi-automatic cotton unpacking machine according to claim 3, wherein: Both ends of the aggregating plate (43) are provided with aggregating guide rails (41).
7. A semi-automatic cotton unpacking machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: The removing mechanism (5) further includes a removing cylinder (52) connected to the chassis (1) and a blocking plate (53) connected to the removing cylinder (52). The blocking plate (53) is fixedly connected to the output end of the removing cylinder (52). The blocking plate (53) shields the end of the collection bin (11). The blocking plate (53) is located below the aggregating plate (43).
8. The semi-automatic cotton unpacking machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: The chassis (1) is provided with an air outlet part (12). The fan (51) is fixedly connected to the air outlet part (12). The air outlet part (12) is provided with a partition plate (121). The partition plate (121) divides the air outlet part (12) into an upper air outlet part (12) and a lower air outlet part (12). The fan (51) is arranged in the upper air outlet part (12). The partition plate (121) is provided with air vents. The removing mechanism (5) further includes an air distribution plate (54). The air distribution plate (54) faces the blocking plate (53). The surface of the air distribution plate (54) is provided with a plurality of air outlet holes.