Mechanisms of transformation of sofas

The acquisition of a new sofa is a major purchase that raises many questions and doubts. As with the choice of most pieces of furniture, the buyer wants to find a model that is equally comfortable, practical and stylish. The best way to choose the most comfortable sofa is to visit the furniture salon and feel like the owner of this or that model.

• Some models of sofas are designed to perform only one function - they serve as a place to relax in a sitting position. This is the so-called guest sofas.
• Another variety are models that transform into a bed. When buying such a model, it is imperative to familiarize yourself with the mechanism of its operation in order to verify whether it is suitable for the conditions in which it will be used.

The folding mechanism of the sofa makes it easy and simple to turn it into a bed.Currently, there are many such options. However, before buying a sofa with any of the transformation mechanisms, it is necessary to carefully study their properties and also to find out what material they are made of. These characteristics will make it possible to judge how long and comfortable the operation of the sofa will be. In the case of complex mechanical devices, the choice of transformation mechanisms made of reliable steel grades will be the most preferable option.

According to the layout, the sofa can be:

1. Turning, which is also referred to as a convertible sofa or modular;
2. Folding, This category includes both folding sofas (French or American), and eurobooks;
3. Rolloutwhich can be straight or angular;
4. With lifting mechanism, which happens on loops, springs or can be carried out using a gas shock absorber system;
5. With walking mechanismwhich is also called stepper; such designs include sofas “tik-tak”, “tango”, and “pantograph”, which are variants of the improved model “eurobook”;
6. "Scissors" - most often it is angular designs;
7. "Butterfly"Which is also called the "Versailles" mechanism.

One of the most convenient and frequently purchased mechanisms for sofa layouts. The base of the sofa is on a retractable platform. At that time, while the design is in the form of a sofa, the platform is invisible, since it is hidden under its seat. In order to expand the sofa, you need to roll out this platform and lift its edge up a little, pulling the special loops. Due to this, the surface of the platform will be leveled at the same height as the seat. The resulting bed has an elastic base and a comfortable height.

It is very easy to fold such a model: you need to pull it up, holding the retractable base belt, it will lift and the mechanism will lead it inside the withdrawable platform. Then the platform itself moves down under the seat. This mechanism is very reliable, allows you to get a comfortable place to rest for two people, suitable for use every day.

This layout method is also known as “alternative”. This folding model, in fact, does not have any mechanism to ensure its transformation, being an example of simplicity and reliability. The movement of parts of the structure is due to the rollers, which move in the grooves of the base. This option is simple and suitable for long-term use.

To turn the eurobook into bed you need to remove the pillows, push the seat forward. Then it remains to omit the section, which was the back of the sofa and get a classic sleeper. To return the sofa to its original position, you need to do the same operations in the reverse order: first, the backrest rises to its original position, and then the withdrawable base moves to it.

The mechanism, called the "pantograph" (also known as "Tik-Tak" or "Tango") is an updated and improved version of the well-known "Eurobook". To turn this model into a bed,as in the case of the mechanism of "eurobook" you need to push forward the seat. However, to do this, the seat must first be raised slightly upwards, pulling the hinges. Thanks to the folding mechanism, it will itself take the desired position. The extended seat is placed on the floor and then the back of the sofa is lowered.

It turns out a wide and elastic berth on the spring block. The reverse transformation can be accomplished by placing the backrest in the usual position, and then raising the seat and sliding it close to the backrest. The mechanism is designed for daily use. Sofas of this type will suit those who have high pile carpets at home, because the transformation takes place without moving furniture directly on the floor.

A very simple and gently working spring mechanism for the decomposition of the sofa, which in its smooth movements really resembles the steps of a wild cat, after which it is named. During the transformation, the seat of such a model rises and takes a step forward, as it were.In order to do this, it is enough to pull the loop, mounted in the bottom of the seat. At the same time, an additional platform hidden there will come out from the depths of the sofa, which, taking the vacant seat, converts the sofa into a full bed. This transformation occurs through a single movement smoothly and smoothly, aided by properly selected springs, fitted with a synchronizer.

Folding this model is also very simple. The folding process is performed in one movement, for this the same loop is sewn. Raising the front of the bed with it, you need to make a slight push back to the back of the sofa, and the built-in mechanism will lower both platforms into place. Such a mechanism is ideal for everyday use.

This type of transformation is also called high-vykatny.

The mechanism consists of three fragments, folded compactly packed in the depths of the sofa.The most extreme part of the bed is a frame structure, the middle part is a platform, completely standing on the floor and serving as an assembled seat, the head part is in the back.

When laying out such a sofa, you do not need to remove soft cushions, they will not interfere in moving the structures out of the depths and installing three sliding parts. First, the frame part is pulled to the level of the legs, it pulls the seat behind itself, which, moving, gives a push to the advancement of the head part of the bed. Special rollers with brackets, moving along hardwood guides and a well-tuned mechanism allow such a transformation to take place without much effort. In order to fold the "conrad", it is necessary to raise the frame part of the built-in loop and push it to the back.

However, with everyday use such a model may not seem very convenient in the layout. This will be especially problematic for a woman or a child, since the sliding parts have significant weight.

The advantage of this model is its compact and elegant appearance, the creation of a comfortable and reliable berth without bends and the presence of a storage box built into the back of the box.

Since the mechanisms "Conrad" do not produce in the Russian Federation, this affects their cost: sofas with similar components have a fairly high price tag.

This is a sofa with a turning mechanism of transformation, which is also called “scissors”. Usually it is a large corner sofas, having an ottoman. Outwardly, they are not too distinguishable from the corner sofas of other designs, but if you look closely, it becomes clear that the ottoman in such a model has a slightly greater length than usual. With the cushions removed, its length will be about 190 cm. Thus, this part of the structure can also serve as a sleeping place without any additional transformations.

If you move the main part of the seat at an angle of 90 degrees and move close to the ottoman, you can get a full-fledged sleeping place, calculated for two people already. For convenience of movement on a floor the transforming sofa is equipped with rubberized wheels. For reliable fixing the wheels are equipped with brakes, which are installed as needed.

You can move the seat not only close to the ottoman, but also in the opposite direction, getting a U-shaped design.Some models of transformers additionally lowers the back, so the buyer can choose exactly the option that seems to him the best. Any of these models has two spacious storage boxes and is an alternative to the usual roll-out sofas.

The folding mechanism of the “chassis” is strong and durable; when unfolded, it turns the sofa into a full bed. It works on the principle of an accordion, for which he received his name.

When assembled, it has a double-folded backrest, which, when unfolded, straightens and forms the basis of the berth. In order to expand the "accordion", the seat is raised slightly up (until it clicks), then the mechanism starts to move forward, stretching the folded backrest. For stability and reliability, such models are usually equipped with armrests.

Assembling the "accordion" is effortless, but requires some skill. In order to start the assembly mechanism, you need to lift up the extreme part of the structure and push it towards the back: the "accordion" will roll.

The transformation mechanism called the "French" clamshell has a second name: such constructions are called "myxotual". This is the so-called metal frame mechanism. It consists of steel tubes of various thickness (in domestic structures it is 1, 5 mm, in imported - 0.8 mm), an awning made of durable fabric (most often it is polypropylene) and equipped with transverse support bars - "armor" (made made of ply-glued plywood) and is equipped with a mattress made of polyurethane foam, which is located in a fabric case.

When laying and folding, the mattress remains inside the structure, since it does not have its own frame. To open the “mixotal” it is almost not necessary to make physical efforts, for a start it is enough to pull the mechanism frame up and forward, which is also the edge of the sofa seat. Then the whole mechanism needs to be lifted upward and “rolled out” forward, like a regular cot. At the same time, the sections folded into each other will straighten out, each of which is equipped with folding legs-supports made from metal semicircular tubes.Thus, a sleeping place is calculated, calculated on a weight of about two hundred kilograms and dimensions of 185 * 145 cm. Before the transformation, the sofa cushions are removed.

When assembling, the first segment of the structure rises first, which “wraps” onto the middle one and then both of them are laid on the base of the sofa. At the same time, the mattress is not removed, but bed linen, pillows and blankets must be removed to avoid breakage of the mechanism.

The “French folding bed” is a convenient and easy-to-transform mechanism, designed to be used from time to time, the so-called guest bed option. In many ways, the duration of the life of this model depends on the quality of the steel fittings on its base, the reliability of the rack and the density of the awning.

This mechanism has another name - it is often called the “American” folding bed.

The copyright for this design is owned by Sedac, hence the name "sedafleks". It is an improved version of "mixotual", while the mechanism is not divided into three, but only into two parts.Another innovation is the filling of the mattress spring unit, which increases the comfort and stability of the bed. Reliability and contribute thicker tube-legs, which have a thickness of 3 mm.

Another advantage of the "American" is the fact that the cushions do not need to be removed before the transformation. The design is arranged in such a way that when laying out the sofa, the pillows turn over, appearing on the floor, and thereby increase stability and save the time and place of the owners. Also as an advantage of “Sedaflex” we can mention the fact that it was decided to replace the reiki-lats with elastic belts.

The transformation of the “American folding bed” is similar to the transformation of the “mixotual”, both models are laid out with the help of physical effort. Having pulled the edge of the seat of the folded sofa, it is lifted slightly up and lay out the entire structure with a fixed mattress.

The dimensions of the “sedaflex” are somewhat larger than those of its French counterpart, which contributes to the greater popularity of this particular model.

A drawer for storing linen is not provided for in any of them, since the mechanism itself takes up all the internal space in the sofa.However, if the clamshell models come complete with an add-on section, which can be located on either side, then this section has the ability to place underwear for storage.

This mechanism received its name due to the similarity with the folding telescope. In its implementation, the transformation occurs as follows: first, pulling out the built-in hinges, they roll out the lower tier of the structure, previously hidden under the seat. This will be the basis for a berth, more precisely, that part of it where the sleeper's feet will be located. When extending, he pulls the platform behind him, which will become the middle part of the bed base.

Then comes the time of the soft spring seat, which is shifted, laying on the elongated base, after which the height of the resulting bed is the same in all its parts.

To assemble the structure, first return the spring unit to its original position, then push the lower part of the sofa. It is worth noting that in the first pull-out section there is a place for bed linen or clothes.

One of the drawbacks of the telescopic design can be called the factthat it is not suitable for a large sofa. First of all, these are double or triple sofas that are good for a nursery.

Any sofa, even folding, although not folding, has similar design features that must be considered when choosing:

1. For them, there are no standard sizes. The height, width and depth of such upholstered furniture vary depending on the type of layout of the sofa and whether it is angular, straight or modular.
2. When purchasing such furniture, you need to take into account the size of the room: the model for daily sleep should fit in the room in the unfolded state.
3. Types of such sofas are divided into straight and angular. The latter may have different angles: left, right, or the so-called universal angle.
4. You can choose either a model for each day, or a guest option, for this you need to decide how often you need to transform the sofa into a bed.

Just before buying, it is advisable to visit furniture stores, in order to “live” examine various models and personally check how convenient and easy the transformation mechanisms work.In this case, you should not stand and observe the process of folding the sofa as a consultant, it is better to ask the seller to show the principle of the layout and then do this procedure yourself. Only in this case it is possible to understand whether it will be convenient to perform such actions daily.

The service life that the sofa can withstand without repair completely depends on the quality of the materials from which its base, body and folding mechanism are made.

You should definitely make sure that the internal parts of the sofa are made of solid wood, and not of chipboard or plastic, because in this case they can be deformed and cracked. The quality and type of wood is also very important. Coniferous wood, such as pine, is cheap and is used in inexpensive sofas, but it can deform or crack after a while, usually it happens after five years. More expensive wood, for example, kiln-dried oak, ash or beech, will make the sofa durable and keep its beautiful appearance.

Therefore, be sure to carefully ask the consultant and carefully examine the insides of the sofa. At the same time, it is worth paying attention to what joints and joints are attached to. It is important to remember that the construction in which the component parts will be held with screws, dowels or special furniture pegs than the one whose parts are fixed to each other only with glue or fixed on simple screws will last much longer.

An important factor when buying a folding sofa, of course, is the availability of space in the apartment for its transformation. If you have limited space, but additional sleeping places are needed, then instead of one huge sofa it would be preferable to purchase two small folding sofas.

In addition, the rigidity of the sofa mattress - This is another important factor that should be taken into account when choosing a model. It largely depends on personal preference. But, as a rule, a more rigid mattress will be healthier, and using this sofa as a bed will provide an opportunity to sleep well at night.

The next important factor is the elasticity of the sofa. It is also associated with personal preferences and choices. Some people do not like elastic sofas, and some - on the contrary. To assess the future acquisition from these positions, it is worth sitting on it even before the purchase, and it is better to even lie down.

If there are animals in the house, which, of course, will definitely be happy to lie on a brand-new couch, it is worth especially carefully choose the upholstery. Pollution such as wool and down of pets are well removed from the flock and skin, but stuck in the tapestry; on such a coating, as shinil, remain tightening left of their claws.

In many reviews, buyers put in the first place the reliability of the mechanism of the folding sofa. For a comfortable sleep, it is advised to choose models with spring filling.

According to this parameter, preference is often given to “Eurobooks”, which are called very reliable. However, they note that such sofas do not look too beautiful. Models of the "dolphin" or "telescope" aesthetically look more advantageous than the "Eurobook", many buyers like it.

To acquire "dolphin" It is recommended for cases when it has to be folded and folded only from time to time. At the same time, as one of the reasons, women call the considerable weight of the sliding part, because of the severity of which it is unpleasant to push it and collect it daily. This is especially true of corner sofas, in which, however, there is something to praise, for example, the very large bed size and the presence of a linen drawer in which two pillows, a blanket and a sheet are placed. As a plus of such a storage box is called the fixation of its cover in the raised state, which facilitates the process of laying laundry. Another of the drawbacks of models with the “dolphin” mechanism is often called such a nuance: that part of the bed that hides inside the sofa is, for some reason, more rigid than the second half.

Mechanism Reviews "pantograph" advised to choose when buying polyurethane (rubberized) wheels, otherwise plastic wheels with constant movements on the floor covering will spoil it.

Sofas "accordion" very often purchased for the nursery. The advantages of this design mention a very compact size and the fact that it easily folds and unfolds. Sometimes these models are equipped with a massage or orthopedic mattress.Often, when selling to the "accordion", two sets of covers are offered: winter and summer, which hide the side parts of the mechanism and the back of double folding.

Mechanism Puma they praise for the ease of disassembly, they say that the half intended for sleeping seems to float up and exactly falls into place. Such a solution is called stylish and modern.

Mechanisms "Conrad" they are not made in the Russian Federation, they are delivered in finished form from abroad, therefore, structures of this type are quite expensive. Not too many such models are purchased, so it’s difficult to find reviews. A few users in the form of flaws mention the fact that the thickness of the foam on the part where the head rests turns out to be lower with time. This difference can occur both many years after the start of operation, and literally in the first year.

"French" folding bed has most negative reviews. As buyers complain, a similar transformation mechanism looks pretty decent until you lie down on it. When used, it creaks, shakes, when you try to turn on the other side, the bottom rises, and the head is below the legs.Also, these models have uncomfortable mattresses: thin and without springs. That is, buyers do not recommend this model as an application in the form of a berth.

Sedaflex also not recommended as a bed for permanent use. From placing on such a sofa, as they say, the spine suffers, and accordingly, the quality of sleep. This sofa is recommended only for a one-time accommodation of guests; moreover, models with an awning made of PU differ in quality compared to those whose base is made of mesh.

Reviews of sofas with a triple mechanism of transformation, the so-called "Telescopes"are generally positive. Buyers are satisfied with a durable metal frame that is robust and reliable. They note that although the sleeping place consists of several modules, it is pleasant and comfortable to sleep on it. The transformation mechanism is called convenient, durable and recommend similar models to purchase.

How to choose the mechanism of transformation of the sofa, see the following video.