Mechanisms for transforming sofas

When buying a sofa for home or summer cottage, special attention should be paid to the device for its transformation. The organization of the sleeping space and the durability of the model depend on it. Today, the mechanisms for transforming sofas are very diverse. They are designed taking into account the area of ​​\ u200b \ u200bthe premises, they often easily turn a sofa into a bed. Even a teenage child can cope with them. In order not to get confused when choosing, you need to know the principle of operation, the features of each device and the degree of load on the furniture frame.

There are three types of sofas that use special transformation mechanisms. They can be located:

• In direct models - representing a familiar design from the main part with or without armrests, having a linen box (and in some versions - a box in which the sleeping area is located).

• In corner structures - with a corner element, which has its own functionality in the form of a niche, a spacious box for bed linen or other things. It saves space in the closet.

• In island (modular) systems - structures consisting of separate modules, different in area, but the same in height (depending on their number, they change their functions).

The sofa owes its name to the transformation mechanism. Although companies come up with an interesting name for each model, the basis of the name that characterizes this or that model is precisely the principle of operation of its mechanism.

The operation of the device does not change - regardless of the type of model (straight, modular or angular). The sofa unfolds forward, sometimes it rises up, rolls out, extends, turns. If this is a direct view, the base is transformed; in the corner version, a sleeping block is added to the corner, forming a rectangular seating area. In modular structures, the direct part of one module is transformed without affecting the others.

The operation of any mechanism is not as complicated as it might seem at first glance. The principle of operation of the structures is different and has both pros and cons. Most of them can fit all types of sofas (straight, corner, modular). For them, the presence or absence of model armrests does not matter. However, there are transformation systems that fit only one type.

The models that roll out forward are convenient, they are compact when folded, do not take up much space, and do not create the impression of a cluttered room. The principle of their operation is to roll the block forward and raise it to the desired height. Sliding structures are models, the details of which are interdependent, so when transforming one, the other is automatically involved.

One of the versatile models with a fixed back and a simple transformation device that allows you to place the sofa in the center of the room or close to the wall.

To unfold the model, you need to pull on the loop of the box located under the seat, which contains the missing section of the berth.When the block is pushed out to the stop, it is lifted by the loop, put into the desired position at the level of the seat. This design creates a spacious and comfortable sleeping surface and can withstand a heavy weight load.

The principle of operation of the withdrawable mechanism is reminiscent of the Dolphin. First you need to pull out the section located under the sofa seat until it stops. While driving the transforming device, extend the seat unit, increasing the width of the bed. After rolling out the block until it stops, it is raised to the height of the seat using hinges.

Such constructions are convenient. They are often found in corner models, they have a lot of free space in corner elements.

The improved "book" is a great option for daily use. It is equipped with a reliable and easy-to-use transformation mechanism that is resistant to daily stress and allows you to position the sofa in the center of the room or against the wall.

To carry out the transformation, you need to grab the seat, slightly raise it, pull it forward and lower it to the floor. Then the back is lowered, forming a berth. Such furniture rarely has a spacious sleeping bed: it is compact both folded and disassembled.

The device, which some manufacturers call "Telescope" or "Telescopic", is a roll-out model. To make a bed out of such a sofa, you need to pull out the section under the seat, raise the base, then put the pillows in the box, close the base and place the mats on it, expanding them like a book.

The design is convenient and allows you to organize a spacious sleeping place without moving the sofa away from the wall. The floor surface must be flat, as for all roll-out mechanisms, so a carpet laid on the floor can cause the transformation system to malfunction.

The design known as "tick-tock" is a variant with a walking mechanism. It is an improved version of the Eurobook. To transform, you need to pull the seat forward using the hinges, lifting it. At the same time, it itself will take the position it needs, dropping down. It remains to lower the back, forming a spacious sleeping place for two.

In some models, the manufacturer has provided additional armrests that limit the seating area. Such a device is durable and does not shake the body of the model. However, the padded back options are not very comfortable. To unfold such a sofa, it will have to be slightly moved away from the wall.

This model is a kind of "pantograph" - with a slight difference. As a rule, the back of these sofas is low and fixed, so such models can be placed against the wall, thereby saving usable floor space.

The transformation is carried out by one extension of the seat - in contrast to the previous mechanism. When it rises and, lowering, falls into place, at the same time the second block of the sleeping section rises from below (where the seat was previously located). Once the seat is in place, the two blocks form a complete sleeping bed.

Convenient draw-out mechanism "saber" provides for changing the size of the sleeping bed with full or partial unfolding. This design is distinguished by a linen drawer, a high place to sleep.

The sleeping place of the furniture can consist of two or three sections, depending on the model. To unfold it, in any case, you need to roll out the seat, under which the linen drawer is located, forward. In this case, the backrest leans back, keeping in the desired position.

The original roll-out transformation system, for the operation of which you must first roll out the sleeping block from under the seat, and then raise it to the level of the seat. At the same time, due to the peculiarities of the pillows that rise to the back of the structure, the sleeping bed is enlarged.

The assembly and disassembly of such structures takes more time - compared to other systems.

Convertible sofas with the "butterfly" system are considered one of the most reliable, strong and durable. Today such a system is very popular with buyers. She turns the sofa into a bed in just a few seconds. The transformation is carried out in two stages: the seat is rolled forward, then the upper block is folded back (to the extended rear section).

The advantage of the model is the significant size of the unfolded sleeping bed and compactness in assembly. The downside of the mechanism is the vulnerability of the rollers during transformation, as well as the small height of the sleeping bed.

The transformation mechanism of the "kangaroo" resembles the "dolphin" system - with a slight difference: sharp movements, similar to the jumps of a kangaroo. It has a lower section under the seat that slides forward easily when folded out. The pull-out unit rises to the desired location, firmly in contact with the main mats.

The main thing that distinguishes such a mechanism is the presence of high metal or wooden legs. The disadvantages of the system include a short service life with frequent transformation. This design cannot be called reliable.

The structure of this mechanism resembles the "dolphin" system. To unfold such a sofa, you will first need to pull on the loop of the lower section under the seat, pull it out all the way. The seat will also roll out. Then the block is raised to the level of the bed height, the seat mat is lowered back, forming a full-fledged bed of three parts.

This system is used in straight and corner sofa models. However, it also has its drawbacks, because with the constant rolling out of the block, a large load is created on the sofa frame. In addition, if you do not take care of the rollers, the mechanism will have to be repaired after a while.

Mechanisms with unfolding sections are not more complicated than withdrawable ones. Usually they are based on the most versatile systems ("frog"), so they do not take more than a few seconds to turn the sofa into a full-fledged bed. To transform them, you do not need to roll out the sections from under the seat.

The design of such a mechanism has a second name - "Tango". Some manufacturers call it "finca". This is a double-fold model, an improved version of the classic "book".

To unfold the sofa, you need to raise the seat until it clicks. In this case, the back is lowered back, the seat is pushed forward a little, opening the two halves of the block into a single surface for sleeping.

The simplest transformation mechanism, reminiscent of opening a book. To make the sofa look like a bed, you need to raise the seat, lowering the back. When the backrest starts to drop, the seat is pushed forward.

This is a classic time-tested mechanism. These sofas are versatile and suitable for regular transformations. Their mechanism is as simple as possible, so it is not prone to breakdowns and has a long service life.

The mechanism for transforming a corner sofa, the principle of which is to turn one section to another - with unfolding the blocks and securely fixing the sections with a metal fastener from below. This creates a compact sleeping bed with a bedside table, open as a result of the transformation of the sections.

The design, the folding of which is similar to the "Eurobook" system, however, it has a fixed back, and instead of two sections of the sleeping bed, three are laid out. In this case, the seat is also raised and simultaneously pulled forward, then lowered to the desired position on the floor.At this time, the next one extends from under each block, folding together into a single area for sleeping. Comfortable design with a spacious seating area. In some designs, instead of the third section, a folding cushion is used, which stands in front of the fixed backrest.

System with reclining fixed cushions that function as a backrest. The mechanism is a bit like a clamshell. To transform the sofa into a bed, you need to raise the pillows to the upper position, then put the lower ones in the designated places, grab the handle and unfold the seat unit downward, opening the sleeping bed in two or three parts. When the bed is expanded, you will need to lower the pillows by wrapping them on the bed.

Folding mechanism designed for daily use. The design is based on a double folding "folding bed", which is hidden in the usual position of the sofa. It transforms without removing the seat, after tilting the back of the model. The design is convenient, it is not very difficult to disassemble, it has steel elements and a mesh at the base, as well as mats of moderate rigidity.

The following devices provide transformation by expanding the sections. In most models (with the exception of the "accordion"), the backrest is fixed and does not participate in the disassembly of the sofa.

The device of the mechanism resembles the stretching of accordion furs. To unfold such a sofa, you just need to pull on the seat. In this case, the backrest, consisting of two blocks connected from above, will automatically go down, folding into two halves.

This mechanism is convenient and reliable, it is quite easy to use, but it is not suitable for everyday use, since under constant loads the sofa body quickly looses.

This design is similar to a "folding bed" hidden under the modular mats of the sofa seat. Even outwardly, the system resembles a familiar piece of furniture with metal supports. The only thing that distinguishes it is that it is fixed at the base of the sofa and unfolds directly out of it, turning the seat unit down

An alternative to the "accordion" system - with the difference that in the latter the sleeping place is composed of three blocks (according to the principle of folding a fan), and in this system the blocks are wrapped inward and unfold when unfolded. They are equipped with stands and have a narrow type of padding, which is a disadvantage of such designs.

If you are going to unfold the sofa, you need to remove the modular cushions from the seat.

Such a mechanism is more reliable than its French counterpart. There is no need to remove the cushions from the seat before transformation. The system implies identical sections (there are three of them), which unfold one after the other when the seat is raised. Such a mechanism is quite durable, but it is only suitable as a guest option, because it has thin mattresses, there is no compartment for linen and steel elements of the structure are felt at the joints of the sections.

Option with a clamshell mechanism. The folding structure is located under the seat, which consists of modular cushions. To make the sofa a bed, you need to remove the pillows by freeing the blocks of the "folding bed". Since they are in a folded position, they first take the top one, set the desired position by exposing the metal support, and then unfold the rest of the sections. This design is not designed for daily transformation - like analogues.

Models with a swivel mechanism differ from other systems in their ease of transformation. They have a minimum load on the frame, since there is no need to roll out the sections to the stop. They do not need to lift additional blocks.

Both the integral part of the sofa and the component of each block, depending on the model, can rotate.Such a mechanism is used in corner models, connecting two halves of sections with blocks into a single berth. The principle of operation of the system is based on turning half of the block by 90 degrees and rolling it to the other part of the sofa (with subsequent fixation).

Folding armrests are a unique technique of the transformation mechanism. Today, these sofas are the focus of designers' attention. With their help, you can furnish a children's room, adjusting the dimensions of the furniture if necessary.

A peculiar design that allows you to change the size of the sleeping bed due to the deformation of the armrests. At the same time, the sidewalls themselves can be positioned at any angle - and even the positions can be different. To transform the sofa into a single bed, you first need to lift the armrest inward until it stops, and then fold it out. These designs are designed for straight types of sofas, they are bought for children and adolescents.

A convenient system for small-sized rooms and children's rooms, a large area for transformation is not needed. Furniture can be placed against the wall. Such a sofa can be compared to its counterpart, it has a compact body and spacious storage space for bedding. The seat surface and armrests form a single unit that can be extended in length.

Such mechanisms of the mechanism are somewhat more complicated than the others. Moreover, the design of the mechanism allows you to easily change the position of the angle of inclination of the backrest and footrest, creating the most comfortable position for the user. This sofa can be equipped with a massage mechanism, it has a rather solid appearance, but the transformation into a bed is not carried out.

The transformation mechanisms may vary. As a rule, the more complex the mechanism, the more components of the berth (the number of additions). Folding and pull-out sofas fall into this category.

When choosing a sofa for daily use, you need to pay attention to structures in which the load on the frame during the operation of the mechanism is most uniform and does not loosen the body.

When choosing a sofa for daily sleep, it is worth considering the block filler. It can be of two types: spring and springless.

The first versions of packing are distinguished by the presence of coiled springs (position - vertical). You can distinguish between dependent and independent types. In the first case, the sofa bends down. These mats are unreliable in that they do not have the correct support for the spine during rest or sleep (sitting and lying).

The springs of an independent type do not touch each other, so each of them works independently, without forcing the others to bend where it is not needed. As a result, the back always remains straight, and the load on the spine is reduced.

Springless mats are distinguished by a remarkable orthopedic effect, which is the prevention of problems associated with the spine. They are not only safe, but also very comfortable, provide complete and proper rest during sleep.

This type of filler is hypoallergenic, this packing is not susceptible to the formation of mildew and mold. It is resistant to dust accumulation as there are no significant voids. The best springless fillers include natural or artificial latex, coir (coconut fiber), HR foam.

In order for the sofa to serve for a long time, it is better to choose a high-quality type of filler: a block with independent springs, latex or coir. It is very good if the type of mat is combined - when not only the core of the stuffing is added, but also another material (to give the required rigidity).

If the latex block doesn't fit your budget, look for HR foam furniture foam or synthetic latex. These materials are somewhat inferior to expensive gaskets, but with proper use they will last for 10-12 years.

As for the transformation mechanism, dolphin designs and their analogs, models with a clamshell system, are not suitable for daily use. The most reliable designs for every day are "Eurobook", "Pantograph", "Puma" and rotary mechanisms.

It is impossible to unambiguously single out one mechanism. The choice depends on several factors:

• allocated space for the sofa (folded and disassembled);
• purpose of the sofa (guest option or alternative to the bed);
• load intensity mode (weight control, taking into account the choice of the "correct" blocks of the seat and back);
• simplicity and convenience in work (the sofa should be light, because complex systems break down more often and are not always subject to restoration);
• the correct diameter of the steel elements (at least 1.5 cm).

For a successful purchase, the sofa lasted for a long time, you should pay attention to:

• flawless movement of the mechanism in operation (it should not jam);
• no looseness of the structure during transformation (this is an obvious marriage that reduces the life of the sofa);
• absence of rust, scratches, dents, assembly defects of the mechanism;
• high-quality upholstery material that will not wear off from the frequent transformation of the sofa (when the sections touch);
• strong and durable metal of the mechanism, resistant to heavy weight loads (two or three people);
• reliability of the frame components to which the transformation mechanism is attached.

There is no unanimous opinion about the choice of the ideal mechanism for transforming the sofa. Customer reviews are inconsistent and based on personal preference. However, many believe that clamshell models do not provide a good rest, although they do an excellent job of guest options. It is quite possible to accommodate guests on them, but for daily relaxation it is worth purchasing more comfortable models.

The most convenient options for sofas include designs with the "Eurobook" and "pantograph" systems. Buyers believe that they allow the body to rest overnight, relax muscles and relieve tension. However, the owners of the sofas note that a comfortable mechanism is not enough for a peaceful sleep: you need to buy a sofa model with an orthopedic block.

For information on how to choose a sofa transformation mechanism, see the next video.