Underwater sinking and floating cofferdam device with double waterstops

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of underwater construction cofferdam equipment, in particular to an underwater sinking and floating cofferdam device with double waterstops. The device comprises buoys, a support frame and a steel cofferdam which is suspended and settled through a chain hoist, the bottom of the steel cofferdam is provided with double water stopping mechanisms, each water stopping mechanism comprises a supporting plate, a sliding plate, a first spring and a rubber sleeve on the outer side, and the sliding plates are pressed downwards through the springs to enable the rubber sleeves to be attached to the water bottom to achieve first mechanical water stopping; an air pump and an air bag are arranged on the inner side of the steel cofferdam, and the air bag expands to extrude the rubber sleeve to fill gaps to achieve second pneumatic water stopping. The outer wall is provided with a stabilizing mechanism which drives a presser foot barb to grab the ground through a gear rack, the side wings are provided with spring damping buffering mechanisms, and the top is provided with a ratchet wheel locking connecting mechanism. The device can adapt to complex underwater terrains to achieve double tight plugging, the flow impact resistance and the anti-sliding capacity are greatly improved, wave agitation and pulling are effectively eliminated, and a dry land safety operation space is provided for structural repair.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of underwater construction cofferdam equipment technology, specifically an underwater floating cofferdam device with double waterstops. Background Technology

[0002] In the routine maintenance and upgrading of water conservancy projects, water conveyance channels, and navigation waterways, underwater concrete slope protection and retaining walls are prone to surface peeling, cracking, and even localized subsidence due to long-term erosion by water flow, wave disturbance from ship navigation, and seasonal freeze-thaw cycles. To thoroughly repair these damaged underwater structures, construction workers typically need to use underwater cofferdams to isolate the construction area from the external water body and conduct dry-land repairs after pumping out the internal water. With the normalization of modern shipping, most waterways can no longer be repaired by significantly lowering the water level. Therefore, using reusable, floating underwater cofferdams for localized isolation and drainage has become the main technical means to solve such underwater repair problems.

[0003] During operation, submersible underwater cofferdams are lowered to the designated underwater damage location using hoisting or submersion mechanisms, with their bottom edge resting directly on the riverbed or concrete slope surface to be repaired. To ensure safety after the interior is drained, the bottom of the cofferdam must possess extremely reliable water-stopping performance. Currently, existing submersible cofferdams typically have a layer of ordinary rubber waterstop bonded to their bottom edge. After sinking into place, the immense weight of the cofferdam structure itself compresses the rubber waterstop, causing it to deform and fill the gap between the cofferdam and the underlying surface, thus achieving a physical seal to prevent external water flow.

[0004] However, this traditional method of water sealing reveals significant limitations in complex underwater working conditions. Damaged underwater concrete revetments or natural riverbed surfaces are often uneven, with numerous cracks, gullies, and irregular spalling pits. When a rigid cofferdam is seated, the passive deformation of its ordinary rubber strip at the bottom is extremely limited, making it unable to adaptively conform to the depth of these uneven terrains with significant elevation differences. Simultaneously, due to the lack of active and continuous flexible compressive force, the edges of the waterstop cannot tightly fill the damaged cracks or tiny pores in the silt layer. When the pumps are started to pump water outwards, a huge water pressure difference quickly forms inside and outside the cofferdam. External river water can easily seep inwards through these incompletely sealed micro-cracks, even causing piping. This not only prevents the formation of a dry working environment but also seriously threatens the lives of workers inside the pit. Currently, there is an urgent need for a sealing device that can actively adapt to complex and changing underwater terrain and provide multiple depths of pressure filling for micro-leaking cracks.

[0005] Therefore, this invention proposes an underwater floating cofferdam device with double waterstops to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides an underwater floating cofferdam device with double-layer waterstops. This solves the problem that existing underwater floating cofferdams have a single bottom waterstop structure that is too rigid. When facing complex and uneven riverbeds or damaged concrete slopes, they cannot adapt to the terrain and deform to fit deeply. This results in leakage and piping under huge internal and external water pressure differences, making it difficult to create a safe working environment on dry ground.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: an underwater floating and sinking cofferdam device with double waterstops, comprising several pontoons, the pontoons being fixedly connected above each other by a support frame, a plurality of manual hoists being provided on the lower side of the support frame, a steel cofferdam being movably connected to the end of each manual hoist, a waterstop mechanism being installed at the bottom of the steel cofferdam, a connecting mechanism being installed on one side of the upper surface of the steel cofferdam, a buffer mechanism being installed on the upper surface of the side wing of the steel cofferdam, and a stabilizing mechanism being installed on the outer wall of the steel cofferdam near the support crossbeam; The water-stopping mechanism includes a support plate, the upper surface of which is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the steel cofferdam. A sliding plate is slidably connected to the inner side of the support plate. A first spring is provided between the upper surface of the sliding plate and the inner side of the support plate. A rubber sleeve is provided on the lower surface of the steel cofferdam. The rubber sleeve is fitted over the sliding plate and the first spring. A support crossbeam is connected between several floats. An air pump is fixedly connected to one side of the upper surface of the support crossbeam. A transmission pipe is fixedly connected to the output end of the air pump. An airbag is fixedly connected to one end of the transmission pipe. One side of the outer wall of the airbag is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the steel cofferdam near the upper side of the rubber sleeve. A three-way valve is fixedly connected to the outer side of the airbag. A water pump is fixedly connected to the other side of the upper surface of the support frame. A drain pipe is fixedly connected to the input end of the water pump, and a drain pipe for discharging water is fixedly connected to the output end of the water pump. A propeller is fixedly connected to the middle of the upper surface of the support frame.

[0008] Preferably, the stabilizing mechanism includes a slide rail, one side of which is fixedly connected to one side of the outer wall of the steel cofferdam. An L-shaped rack plate is slidably connected to the outer wall of the slide rail. A slider is fixedly connected to one side of the outer wall of the L-shaped rack plate. A second connecting block is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the steel cofferdam near the L-shaped rack plate. A rotating rod is rotatably connected inside the second connecting block. A gear is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the rotating rod. The gear meshes with the outer wall of the L-shaped rack plate and rotates. A positioning component is installed on the outer wall of the rotating rod. A driving component is installed on the outer wall of the steel cofferdam near the slide rail.

[0009] Preferably, the positioning component includes a rotating plate, one side of which is fixedly connected to one side of the outer wall of the rotating rod, and a pressure foot is fixedly connected to the other side of the outer wall of the rotating plate. Several barbs are fixedly connected to the lower surface of the pressure foot.

[0010] Preferably, the drive assembly includes a plurality of first connecting blocks, two of which are fixedly connected symmetrically to one side of the outer wall of the steel cofferdam. A threaded rod is rotatably connected inside the first connecting block, and a slider is threadedly connected to the outer wall of the threaded rod. One side of the outer wall of the slider is fixedly connected to one side of the outer wall of the L-shaped rack plate.

[0011] Preferably, the buffer mechanism includes a connecting crossbar, a first chain, and a second chain. The two ends of the connecting crossbar are respectively fixed to the inner side of the support frame. The upper end of the first chain is fixed to the lower surface of the connecting crossbar, and the lower end of the second chain is fixed to the upper surface of the side wing of the steel cofferdam. A buffer assembly is installed between the first chain and the second chain.

[0012] Preferably, the buffer assembly includes a connecting shell, the lower surface of which is fixedly connected to the upper end of the second chain, a sliding block is slidably connected inside the connecting shell, a connecting rod is fixedly connected to the upper surface of the sliding block, a spring damper is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the sliding block, and the lower end of the spring damper is fixedly connected to the bottom of the inner wall of the connecting shell.

[0013] Preferably, a second spring is sleeved on the outer wall of the connecting rod, with the upper end of the second spring abutting against the top of the inner wall of the connecting shell and the lower end of the second spring abutting against the upper surface of the sliding block.

[0014] Preferably, the connecting mechanism includes a bracket, the lower surface of which is fixedly connected to one side of the upper surface of the steel cofferdam, a rotating roller is rotatably connected inside the bracket, a connecting chain is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the rotating roller, and a locking component is installed on the outer wall of the rotating roller.

[0015] Preferably, the locking assembly includes a ratchet and a pawl, the ratchet is internally fixedly connected to the outer wall of the rotating roller, one side of the pawl is disposed on one side of the upper surface of the bracket, and the outer wall of the ratchet and the pawl are engaged.

[0016] Preferably, the upper end of the first spring abuts against the inner side of the support plate, the lower end of the first spring abuts against the upper surface of the sliding plate, and the lower surface of the sliding plate abuts against the inner wall of the rubber sleeve.

[0017] This invention provides an underwater floating cofferdam device with double-layer waterstops. It has the following beneficial effects: 1. This invention significantly improves the sealing reliability of underwater cofferdam construction by innovatively setting a double-layer water-stopping mechanism at the bottom of the steel cofferdam. The first water-stopping structure uses the elastic downward pressure of the first spring to drive the sliding plate to tightly fit the outermost rubber sleeve against the uneven riverbed or bedrock surface underwater, achieving preliminary physical deformation and contour sealing. The second water-stopping structure uses an air pump to inflate an airbag set at the bottom of the inner side of the cofferdam. Utilizing the flexible filling characteristics of the inflated airbag, it further squeezes and fills the tiny gaps between the edge of the rubber sleeve and the bottom of the water. This dual water-stopping defense line of mechanical elasticity + pneumatic expansion effectively overcomes the shortcomings of traditional single-layer rigid water-stopping systems, which are prone to leakage due to the influence of bottom topography, and provides an absolutely safe environment for dewatering and dry-land operations inside the cofferdam.

[0018] 2. This invention enhances the cofferdam's resistance to water flow impact and slippage under complex hydrological conditions by configuring a stabilizing mechanism with rack and pinion transmission on the outer wall of the steel cofferdam. After the cofferdam sinks to the predetermined position, the drive threaded rod rotates, causing the slider and L-shaped rack plate to move linearly downwards along the slide rail. Through the dynamic meshing of the rack and pinion, the linear motion is precisely converted into the rotational motion of the rotating rod, which in turn drives the rotating plate to flip downwards, causing the pressure foot with multiple barbs to deeply penetrate the mud or soil at the bottom of the water. This design can quickly form a strong physical gripping point on the outside of the cofferdam, effectively transferring the lateral thrust of the water flow to the stable riverbed foundation, fundamentally preventing the cofferdam from drifting or overturning under the scouring of rapid currents, and ensuring absolute accuracy of construction positioning.

[0019] 3. This invention effectively solves the technical problem of rigid breakage of floating pontoons and underwater cofferdams under wave turbulence by adding a buffer mechanism with multi-stage energy absorption characteristics between the side wings and the upper support frame of the steel cofferdam. When the water ripples cause the sinking steel cofferdam to rise and fall relative to each other, the traction stress is first transmitted to the sliding block inside the buffer assembly. The up and down displacement of the sliding block will simultaneously compress the second spring and stretch the spring damper. The reciprocating elastic deformation of the spring will flexibly dissipate the instantaneous sudden impact force. At the same time, the hydraulic damping characteristics of the spring damper will quickly consume the oscillation kinetic energy, effectively suppressing the resonance and disengagement of the chain rigging. This flexible suspension structure greatly reduces the mechanical fatigue stress borne by each node of the lifting system and greatly extends the service life of the overall equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the propeller section of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the transmission tube section of the present invention; Figure 4 for Figure 3Enlarged view of point A in the image; Figure 5 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of point B in the image; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the L-shaped rack plate portion of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the support structure of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the three-way valve part of the present invention.

[0021] The components are as follows: 1. Float; 2. Support frame; 3. Manual hoist; 4. Steel cofferdam; 5. Support plate; 6. Sliding plate; 7. First spring; 8. Rubber sleeve; 9. Air pump; 10. Transmission pipe; 11. Airbag; 12. Three-way valve; 13. Support crossbeam; 14. Water pump; 15. Drain pipe; 16. Propeller; 17. Slide rail; 18. First connecting block; 19. Threaded rod; 20. Slider; 21. L-shaped rack plate; 22. Second connecting block; 23. Rotating rod; 24. Gear; 25. Rotating plate; 26. Presser foot; 27. Barb; 28. Bracket; 29. ​​Rotating roller; 30. Connecting chain; 31. Ratchet; 32. Pawl; 33. Connecting crossbar; 34. First chain; 35. Second chain; 36. Connecting shell; 37. Spring damper; 38. Sliding block; 39. Connecting rod; 40. Second spring. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0023] See attached document Figure 1 - Appendix Figure 8 A floating underwater cofferdam device with double waterstops includes several pontoons 1 for providing floating load capacity on the water surface. The pontoons 1 are fixedly connected above by a support frame 2 for integrating the pontoons and providing a top suspension foundation. The pontoons 1 are connected by a support crossbeam 13. Multiple manual hoists 3 are installed on the lower side of the support frame 2 for controlling the stable sinking and rising of the structure below. The ends of the manual hoists 3 are movably connected to a steel cofferdam 4, which serves as the main protective structure for underwater drainage operations. A waterstop mechanism for sealing the bottom seepage gaps is installed at the bottom of the steel cofferdam 4. A connecting mechanism for splicing and fixing multiple cofferdams is installed on one side of the upper surface of the steel cofferdam 4. A buffer mechanism for absorbing the up-and-down turbulence and pulling force brought by the water flow and waves is installed on the upper surface of the side wings of the steel cofferdam 4. A stabilizing mechanism for inserting into the riverbed to prevent water flow from pushing away is installed on the outer wall of the steel cofferdam 4 near the support crossbeam 13. The water-stopping mechanism includes a support plate 5 for providing a downward-pressing force-bearing skeleton. The upper surface of the support plate 5 is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the steel cofferdam 4. A sliding plate 6, which can float up and down with the undulations of the riverbed, is slidably connected to the inner side of the support plate 5. A first spring 7 is provided between the upper surface of the sliding plate 6 and the inner side of the support plate 5 to provide a continuous downward adaptive fitting elastic force. A rubber sleeve 8 is provided on the lower surface of the steel cofferdam 4 as the first physical water-proof layer that directly contacts the bottom mud and deforms. The rubber sleeve 8 is fitted on the outside of the sliding plate 6 and the first spring 7. Several floats 1 are connected by a reinforcement for strengthening the overall frame. The support frame 13 serves as a support platform for the equipment installation. An air pump 9 is fixedly connected to one side of the upper surface of the support frame 13 to provide an inflation power source. A transmission pipe 10 for guiding high-pressure gas is fixedly connected to the output end of the air pump 9. An airbag 11 for generating lateral extrusion force after inflation is fixedly connected to one end of the transmission pipe 10. One side of the outer wall of the airbag 11 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the steel cofferdam 4 near the upper side of the rubber sleeve 8 so that the rubber sleeve is pressed tightly against the bottom gap to form a second flexible water-proof layer when it is inflated. A three-way valve 12 for controlling the inflation and deflation of the airbag is fixedly connected to the outside of the airbag 11. A water pump 14 for quickly pumping out internal water is fixedly connected to the other side of the upper surface of the support frame 13. A drain pipe 15 extending into the bottom of the steel cofferdam to draw water is fixedly connected to the input end of the water pump 14. A drain pipe discharging water to the water outside the cofferdam is fixedly connected to the output end of the water pump 14. A propeller 16 for providing thrust for the entire device to navigate and move on the water surface is fixedly connected to the middle of the upper surface of the support frame 13.

[0024] Specifically, the cofferdam's surface mobility and precise submersion positioning are achieved through the suspension and coordination of the pontoon 1 and the manual hoist 3. Its core water-stopping mechanism utilizes the internal spring to press down the sliding plate 6 in conjunction with the external rubber sleeve 8 to achieve preliminary adaptive physical fit and water-stopping for uneven riverbeds. In addition, the air pump 9 inflates the airbag 11, and the expansion force is used to squeeze the rubber sleeve 8 from the inside to completely fill the tiny gaps, thus constructing a dual tight seepage prevention system of mechanical conformation + pneumatic expansion. Combined with the efficient drainage of the water pump 14, it provides an absolutely dry and safe isolated working space for underwater construction of bridge piers or bedrock.

[0025] See attached document Figure 1 - Appendix Figure 8The stabilizing mechanism includes a slide rail 17 for providing vertical linear motion guidance. One side of the outer wall of the slide rail 17 is fixedly connected to one side of the outer wall of the steel cofferdam 4 to provide a stable installation base. An L-shaped rack plate 21 for transmitting linear driving force is slidably connected to the outer wall of the slide rail 17. A slider 20 for limiting and preventing deviation in cooperation with the slide rail is fixedly connected to one side of the outer wall of the L-shaped rack plate 21. A second connecting block 22 for supporting the rotating shaft is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the steel cofferdam 4 near the L-shaped rack plate 21. A rotating rod 23 for outputting the overturning torque is rotatably connected inside the second connecting block 22. A gear 24 for receiving rack power is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the rotating rod 23. The gear 24 meshes with the outer wall of the L-shaped rack plate 21 to rotate and accurately convert linear motion into rotational motion. A positioning component that folds synchronously with the rotating rod to grip and anchor the rod is installed on the outer wall of the rotating rod 23. A drive component for providing power to push the rack plate downward is installed on the outer wall of the steel cofferdam 4 near the slide rail 17.

[0026] Specifically, the stabilizing mechanism uses a drive component to make the L-shaped rack plate 21 rise and fall smoothly along the slide rail 17, and through the gear 24 rack transmission structure, reliably converts the vertical linear thrust into the rotational torque of the rotating rod 23, thereby driving the external positioning component to flip downward and deeply embed itself into the riverbed silt or bedrock. This structural design can quickly establish a solid anti-slip support point outside the cofferdam, effectively transferring the lateral impact force brought by the complex water flow environment to the underwater foundation, fundamentally preventing the steel cofferdam 4 from shifting or overturning during underwater venting operations, and greatly enhancing the positioning stability and construction safety of the overall device.

[0027] See attached document Figure 1 -Appendix Figure 8 The positioning component includes a rotating plate 25 for extending the anchoring arm and transmitting the overturning torque. One side of the rotating plate 25 is fixedly connected to one side of the outer wall of the rotating rod 23 to achieve follow-up folding. The other side of the outer wall of the rotating plate 25 is fixedly connected to a pressure foot 26, which is the pressure-bearing end that directly contacts the bottom of the water. Several barbs 27 are fixedly connected to the lower surface of the pressure foot 26, which penetrate into the riverbed silt base to provide anti-pull-out and anti-slip resistance. The driving component includes multiple first connecting blocks 18 for providing a stable rotating support seat. Two first connecting blocks 18 are fixedly connected symmetrically to one side of the outer wall of the steel cofferdam 4 to ensure the vertical stability of the force-driven axis. The first connecting block 18 is rotatably connected to a threaded rod 19 that provides a smooth vertical push-pull force through rotation and has the characteristic of self-locking and anti-reverse when stopping. The outer wall of the threaded rod 19 is threadedly connected to a slider 20 that converts the rotational motion into linear lifting displacement. One side of the outer wall of the slider 20 is fixedly connected to one side of the outer wall of the L-shaped rack plate 21 to accurately transmit the vertical power to the rack mechanism for subsequent work.

[0028] Specifically, the positioning and driving components utilize the force-amplifying and self-locking characteristics of the threaded transmission mechanism to convert the externally applied rotational power into a large linear thrust that smoothly pushes the slider 20 downwards. This drives the rack plate to move downwards and is converted into a reversing torque via the gear 24. Ultimately, this forces the barb 27 at the bottom of the pressure foot 26 to deeply embed itself into the riverbed foundation like an anchor. The entire transmission chain is mechanically tightly meshed, quickly creating a strong physical gripping point outside the cofferdam. This effectively transmits the lateral impact force of the water flow to the underwater ground, fundamentally eliminating the risk of the cofferdam slipping due to the scouring of the rapid current and ensuring the stability and safety of the drainage operation environment.

[0029] See attached document Figure 1 -Appendix Figure 8 The buffer mechanism includes a connecting crossbar 33 for providing a lateral suspension force point inside the water support structure, a first chain 34 for transmitting the upper suspension tension, and a second chain 35 for transmitting the underwater cofferdam wave tension upward. The two ends of the connecting crossbar 33 are respectively fixed to the inner side of the support frame 2 to ensure the overall structural strength and span stability of the suspension point. The upper end of the first chain 34 is fixed to the lower surface of the connecting crossbar 33, and the lower end of the second chain 35 is fixed to the upper surface of the side wing of the steel cofferdam 4 to form a flexible traction frame connected in series. A buffer component for absorbing and dissipating the relative displacement energy of the turbulence is installed between the first chain 34 and the second chain 35. The buffer assembly includes a connecting shell 36 that serves as an internal energy-absorbing component and seals the load-bearing cavity. The lower surface of the connecting shell 36 is fixedly connected to the upper end of the second chain 35 to receive the undulating tension transmitted from the lower cofferdam. Inside the connecting shell 36, a sliding block 38 is slidably connected as a piston node for converting vertical displacement force. The upper surface of the sliding block 38 is fixedly connected to a connecting rod 39 that penetrates the shell upward and introduces the upward traction tensile stress. The upper end of the connecting rod 39 is fixedly connected to the lower end of the first chain 34. The lower surface of the sliding block 38 is fixedly connected to a spring damper 37 for rapidly attenuating high-frequency oscillation energy using hydraulic damping characteristics. The lower end of the spring damper 37 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the inner wall of the connecting shell 36 to form a downward tensile limiting resistance point. The outer wall of the connecting rod 39 is fitted with a second spring 40 for providing primary elastic buffer resistance under pressure. The upper end of the second spring 40 abuts against the top of the inner wall of the connecting shell 36, and the lower end of the second spring 40 abuts against the upper surface of the sliding block 38 so as to generate a downward reverse rebound force when compressed during the pulling.

[0030] Specifically, the buffer mechanism is cleverly connected in series between the above-water support frame 2 and the underwater steel cofferdam 4. When the turbulent water flow causes relative lifting and pulling of the upper and lower structures, the traction force forces the sliding block 38 to slide vertically inside the connecting shell 36. During this displacement process, the second spring 40 is compressed upward and the spring damper 37 at the bottom is stretched upward. The instantaneous sudden rigid pulling force is flexibly resolved through the reciprocating elastic deformation of the spring, while the hydraulic energy absorption characteristics of the damper quickly dissipate the oscillating kinetic energy of the entire system. This design effectively suppresses the risk of resonance disengagement or rigid fracture of the suspension chain caused by impact in harsh hydrological environments, significantly reduces the mechanical fatigue stress borne by each connection node, and greatly ensures the safety and stability of the underwater floating cofferdam hoisting operation.

[0031] See attached document Figure 1 -Appendix Figure 8 The connecting mechanism includes a bracket 28 for providing a high-strength winch bearing support platform. The lower surface of the bracket 28 is fixedly connected to one side of the upper surface of the steel cofferdam 4 to form a stable assembly anchor base. The bracket 28 is rotatably connected to a rotating roller 29 for winding and releasing the traction cable. The outer wall of the rotating roller 29 is fixedly connected to a connecting chain 30 for laterally pulling and hooking adjacent cofferdams when assembling multiple cofferdams. The outer wall of the rotating roller 29 is equipped with a locking component for maintaining the tension of the chain and preventing it from loosening under force. The locking assembly includes a ratchet 31 with unidirectional limiting teeth and a pawl 32 with anti-reverse locking force. The ratchet 31 is internally fixed to the outer wall of the rotating roller 29 to achieve synchronous and coaxial force rotation with the roller. One side of the pawl 32 is set on one side of the upper surface of the bracket 28 to use the overall rigidity of the bracket as an anti-reverse jamming fulcrum. The ratchet 31 and the outer wall of the pawl 32 are engaged to achieve a locking state in which the rigging can only be tightened in one direction and cannot be pulled in the opposite direction.

[0032] Specifically, the connecting mechanism and locking components are mainly used to address the need for parallel assembly of multiple steel cofferdams 4 during large-span or complex underwater construction. By pulling out the connecting chain 30 and hooking it onto the adjacent cofferdam, rotating the rotating roller 29 retracts the chain, forcefully pulling the adjacent cofferdams closer together. During this traction and closure process, the mechanical unidirectional anti-reverse structure composed of the ratchet 31 and pawl 32 plays a crucial self-locking and pressure-maintaining role. Only unidirectional force is needed to tighten it to automatically lock the tension state, eliminating the need for cumbersome and time-consuming underwater bolt threading operations. This design greatly simplifies the above-water / underwater assembly process of large cofferdam matrices, effectively preventing the assembled modules from loosening or separating under the impact of rapid currents and waves, ensuring the compressive continuity of the support structure and the overall sealing safety after the overall assembly.

[0033] See attached document Figure 1 -Appendix Figure 8The upper end of the first spring 7 abuts against the inner side of the support plate 5, which provides a solid reaction force base, and the lower end of the first spring 7 abuts against the upper surface of the sliding plate 6, which uniformly transmits downward elastic pressure. The lower surface of the sliding plate 6 abuts against the inner wall of the rubber sleeve 8, which passively deforms with the undulations of the underwater terrain to achieve physical sealing.

[0034] Specifically, when the steel cofferdam 4 is pressed down, the uneven riverbed will push the rubber sleeve 8 and sliding plate 6 upwards. At this time, the first spring 7 is passively compressed and generates a continuous downward rebound force. This elastic potential energy is applied evenly and persistently to the inner wall of the rubber sleeve 8 through the sliding plate 6, forcing the flexible rubber sleeve 8 at the bottom to undergo adaptive depth deformation and wrap around the contours of the underwater rock protrusions or silt pits. This dynamic fitting design, which relies on the continuous downward pressure compensation of the internal mechanical spring, effectively eliminates and fills the large gaps between the bottom edge of the rigid steel cofferdam 4 and the complex and irregular riverbed, ensuring the tightness of the bottom foundation seal and long-term anti-seepage pressure, and laying a reliable physical isolation foundation for subsequent pneumatic water sealing.

[0035] Working principle: During the construction preparation stage, the buoyancy generated by several pontoons 1 is used to make the whole device float on the water surface. The propeller 16 fixed in the middle of the upper surface of the support frame 13 is started to provide propulsion power, and the cofferdam device is accurately navigated and positioned above the water area to be constructed. After positioning, multiple manual hoists 3 located under the support frame 2 are operated synchronously and at a constant speed to slowly release the chains, causing the steel cofferdam 4, which is movably connected at the end, to sink into the water under its own weight. During the descent, the steel cofferdam 4 will experience relative turbulent displacement with respect to the support frame 2 due to the impact and pulling of the water flow and waves. At this time, the connecting crossbar 33 fixed inside the support frame 2 transmits force to the upper surface of the side wing of the steel cofferdam 4 through the first chain 34 and the second chain 35. The upward pulling force acts on the connecting crossbar 33 at the lower end of the first chain 34. The connecting rod 39 and the connecting shell 36 at the upper end of the second chain 35 force the connecting rod 39 to drive the sliding block 38 to slide vertically inside the connecting shell 36. During this sliding process, the second spring 40 sleeved on the outer wall of the connecting rod 39 will be compressed so that its top end abuts against the top of the inner wall of the connecting shell 36, and pulls the spring damper 37 fixed between the lower surface of the sliding block 38 and the bottom of the inner wall of the connecting shell 36. By utilizing the elastic deformation of the spring and the hydraulic energy absorption characteristics of the damper, the rigid impact force is effectively resolved, ensuring that the steel cofferdam 4 is smoothly submerged. When the steel cofferdam 4 sinks to the bottom and contacts the riverbed, its own weight presses down the support plate 5 fixed to the lower surface. Due to the unevenness of the riverbed surface, the rubber sleeve 8 at the bottom is subjected to the reaction force of the terrain and pushes the sliding plate 6 inside upward, causing it to slide inside the support plate 5 and compress the first spring 7 upward. The downward rebound force generated by the first spring 7 after being compressed forces the lower surface of the sliding plate 6 to press tightly against the inner wall of the rubber sleeve 8, so that the rubber sleeve 8 adapts to the terrain of the riverbed and tightly wraps the underwater protrusion, completing the first mechanical and physical contour-following water stop. Subsequently, the air pump 9 fixed on the upper surface of the support frame 13 is started, and high-pressure gas is injected into the airbag 11 on the lower side of the inner wall of the steel cofferdam 4 through the transmission pipe 10. At this time, the three-way valve 12 is in the air intake state. After the airbag 11 expands with air, it forcefully squeezes the rubber sleeve 8 close to its outer side, deeply filling the tiny gaps between the edge of the rubber sleeve 8 and the riverbed silt that cannot be completely sealed by gravity, completely cutting off the seepage path and completing the second pneumatic flexible water stop. To prevent the cofferdam from shifting due to the impact of the rapid current, a stabilizing mechanism is required for anchoring. The threaded rod 19, installed inside the first symmetrical connecting block 18, rotates, and the threaded drive slider 20 drives the L-shaped rack plate 21 to slide downwards along the slide rail 17 fixed to one side of the outer wall of the steel cofferdam 4. When the L-shaped rack plate 21 moves downwards, the rack on its outer wall meshes and drives the gear 24 to rotate. The gear 24 then drives the rotating rod 23, which is installed inside the second connecting block 22, to rotate. The rotation of the rotating rod 23 drives the rotating plate 25 fixed on one side to fold downwards, so that the pressure foot 26 at the other end and several barbs 27 on its lower surface forcefully penetrate and firmly grip the bedrock or silt at the bottom of the water, thus achieving anti-slip fixation of the steel cofferdam 4. After the water stop and fixation are completed, the water pump 14 on the upper surface of the support frame 13 is started. Its input end extracts the water source in the closed area inside the steel cofferdam 4 through the drain pipe 15, and discharges it to the outside of the cofferdam through the drain pipe connected to the output end, thereby forming a waterless dry construction environment underwater. If the project span is large and multiple cofferdams need to be spliced ​​together, adjacent devices can be brought together, and the connecting chain 30 fixed on the rotating roller 29 inside the bracket 28 on one side of the upper surface of the steel cofferdam 4 can be pulled out and hooked and tightened with the adjacent steel cofferdam. After tightening, the ratchet 31 fixed on the outer wall of the rotating roller 29 and the pawl 32 set on one side of the upper surface of the bracket 28 are used to achieve a one-way anti-reverse locking effect, thereby firmly connecting multiple steel cofferdams 4 into a large integral support structure.

Claims

1. An underwater floating cofferdam device with double waterstops, characterized in that, It includes several pontoons (1), which are fixedly connected above each other by a support frame (2). A support crossbeam (13) is connected between the pontoons (1). Multiple manual hoists (3) are provided on the lower side of the support frame (2). A steel cofferdam (4) is movably connected to the end of each manual hoist (3). A water-stopping mechanism is installed at the bottom of the steel cofferdam (4). A connecting mechanism is installed on one side of the upper surface of the steel cofferdam (4). A buffer mechanism is installed on the upper surface of the side wing of the steel cofferdam (4). A stabilizing mechanism is installed on the outer wall of the steel cofferdam (4) near the support crossbeam (13). The water-stopping mechanism includes a support plate (5), the upper surface of which is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the steel cofferdam (4), a sliding plate (6) is slidably connected to the inner side of the support plate (5), a first spring (7) is provided between the upper surface of the sliding plate (6) and the inner side of the support plate (5), a rubber sleeve (8) is provided on the lower surface of the steel cofferdam (4), the rubber sleeve (8) is sleeved on the outer side of the sliding plate (6) and the first spring (7), a support crossbeam (13) is connected between several floats (1), an air pump (9) is fixedly connected to one side of the upper surface of the support crossbeam (13), a transmission pipe (10) is fixedly connected to the output end of the air pump (9), an airbag (11) is fixedly connected to one end of the transmission pipe (10), an outer wall of the airbag (11) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the steel cofferdam (4) near the upper side of the rubber sleeve (8), and a three-way valve (12) is fixedly connected to the outer side of the airbag (11). A water pump (14) is fixedly connected to the other side of the upper surface of the support frame (13). A drain pipe (15) is fixedly connected to the input end of the water pump (14). A drain pipe for discharging water is fixedly connected to the output end of the water pump (14). A propeller (16) is fixedly connected to the middle of the upper surface of the support frame (13).

2. The underwater floating cofferdam device with double waterstops according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stabilizing mechanism includes a slide rail (17), one side of which is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the steel cofferdam (4). An L-shaped rack plate (21) is slidably connected to the outer wall of the slide rail (17). A slider (20) is fixedly connected to one side of the outer wall of the L-shaped rack plate (21). A second connecting block (22) is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the steel cofferdam (4) near the L-shaped rack plate (21). A rotating rod (23) is rotatably connected inside the second connecting block (22). A gear (24) is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the rotating rod (23). The gear (24) meshes with the outer wall of the L-shaped rack plate (21) and rotates. A positioning component is installed on the outer wall of the rotating rod (23). A driving component is installed on the outer wall of the steel cofferdam (4) near the slide rail (17).

3. The underwater floating cofferdam device with double waterstops according to claim 2, characterized in that, The positioning component includes a rotating plate (25), one side of which is fixedly connected to one side of the outer wall of the rotating rod (23), and a pressure foot (26) is fixedly connected to the other side of the outer wall of the rotating plate (25). Several barbs (27) are fixedly connected to the lower surface of the pressure foot (26).

4. The underwater floating cofferdam device with double waterstops according to claim 2, characterized in that, The drive assembly includes multiple first connecting blocks (18), two of which are fixedly connected symmetrically to one side of the outer wall of the steel cofferdam (4). A threaded rod (19) is rotatably connected inside the first connecting block (18), and a slider (20) is threadedly connected to the outer wall of the threaded rod (19). One side of the outer wall of the slider (20) is fixedly connected to one side of the outer wall of the L-shaped rack plate (21).

5. The underwater floating cofferdam device with double waterstops according to claim 1, characterized in that, The buffer mechanism includes a connecting crossbar (33), a first chain (34) and a second chain (35). The two ends of the connecting crossbar (33) are fixed to the inner side of the support frame (2). The upper end of the first chain (34) is fixed to the lower surface of the connecting crossbar (33). The lower end of the second chain (35) is fixed to the upper surface of the side wing of the steel cofferdam (4). A buffer assembly is installed between the first chain (34) and the second chain (35).

6. The underwater floating cofferdam device with double-layer waterstop as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The buffer assembly includes a connecting shell (36), the lower surface of which is fixedly connected to the upper end of the second chain (35). A sliding block (38) is slidably connected inside the connecting shell (36). A connecting rod (39) is fixedly connected to the upper surface of the sliding block (38). The upper end of the connecting rod (39) is fixedly connected to the lower end of the first chain (34). A spring damper (37) is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the sliding block (38). The lower end of the spring damper (37) is fixedly connected to the bottom of the inner wall of the connecting shell (36).

7. The underwater floating cofferdam device with double-layer waterstop as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The outer wall of the connecting rod (39) is fitted with a second spring (40), the upper end of the second spring (40) abuts against the top of the inner wall of the connecting shell (36), and the lower end of the second spring (40) abuts against the upper surface of the sliding block (38).

8. The underwater floating cofferdam device with double waterstops according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting mechanism includes a bracket (28), the lower surface of which is fixedly connected to one side of the upper surface of the steel cofferdam (4). A rotating roller (29) is rotatably connected inside the bracket (28). A connecting chain (30) is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the rotating roller (29). A locking component is installed on the outer wall of the rotating roller (29).

9. The underwater floating cofferdam device with double-layer waterstop as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The locking assembly includes a ratchet (31) and a pawl (32). The ratchet (31) is internally fixed to the outer wall of the rotating roller (29). One side of the pawl (32) is disposed on one side of the upper surface of the bracket (28). The ratchet (31) and the outer wall of the pawl (32) are engaged.

10. The underwater floating cofferdam device with double waterstops according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper end of the first spring (7) abuts against the inner side of the support plate (5), the lower end of the first spring (7) abuts against the upper surface of the sliding plate (6), and the lower surface of the sliding plate (6) abuts against the inner wall of the rubber sleeve (8).

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