Mechanisms of transformation of sofas

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

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

• In direct models - representing the usual design of the main part with armrests or without them, having a linen box (and in some embodiments - a box in which the block of a berth is located).

• In corner designs - with a corner element having its functionality in the form of a niche, a roomy box for bed linen or other things. It allows you to save space in the closet.

• In island (modular) systems - constructions consisting of separate modules, of different sizes, but of equal height (they change their functions depending on their number).

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 a particular model is precisely the principle of its mechanism.

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

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

Roll-forward models are convenient, they are compact when folded, do not take up much space, do not create the impression of cluttering the room. The principle of their work is to roll the block forward and raise it to the desired height. Sliding structures are models whose details are interdependent, so when transforming one, the other is automatically activated.

One of the universal models with a fixed back and a simple transformation device, allowing to place the sofa in the center of the room or close to the wall.

To expand the model, you need to pull the loop box located under the seat, which is the missing section of the bed. When the block is pushed to the stop, it is lifted by the loop, put in the desired position at the seat. This design forms a spacious and comfortable surface for sleeping, can withstand a large weight load.

The principle of operation of the vykatny mechanism reminds "Dolphin". First you need to push the section under the sofa seat all the way up to the stop. While driving the transformation device, extend the seat block, increasing the width of the bed. After rolling out the block until it stops, it is raised to the height of the seat with the help of loops.

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

Improved "book" - a great option for everyday use. It is equipped with a reliable and easy-to-work transformation mechanism that is resistant to daily stresses and allows the sofa to be positioned in the center of the room or against a wall.

To make the transformation, you need to take a seat, slightly lift it, pull it forward and lower it to the floor. Then lower the back, forming a bed.Such furniture rarely has a spacious sleeping bed: it is compact and folded and unassembled.

The device, which some manufacturers called "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, lift the base, then put the pillows in the drawer, close the base and place the mats on it, turning them like a book.

The design is convenient and allows you to organize a spacious bed, without moving the sofa from the wall. The floor surface should be flat, as for all withdrawable mechanisms, so the carpet laid on the floor can cause a malfunction of the transformation system.

The design, known as "tick-tock" - a variant with a walking mechanism. It is an improved version of the "Eurobook". For transformation, you need to pull the seat forward with the help of loops, lifting it up. At the same time, it will take the position itself, dropping down. It will remain to lower the back, forming a spacious berth for two.

In some models, the manufacturer has provided additional armrests, limiting the recreation area. Such a device is durable and does not loosen the model case.However, options with a soft back are not very comfortable. To expand 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, these sofas have a low and motionless back, so such models can be positioned against a wall, thereby saving usable floor space.

Transformation is carried out by one extension of the seat - in contrast to the previous mechanism. When it rises and, falling, falls into place, at the same time, the second block of the sleeping section rises from below (where the seat used to be). As soon as the seat is in place, the two blocks form a full-sized sleeping bed.

Convenient withdrawable mechanism "saber" provides for changing the size of the bed when fully or partially unfolding. This design is different linen box, a high place to sleep.

A furniture bed can consist of two or three sections, depending on the model. To expand it, in any case, you need to roll out the seat, under which the linen box is located, forward.At the same time the back leans back, keeping to the necessary position.

The original vykatnaya transformation system, for which you need to first roll out the bed unit from under the seat, and then raise it to the level of the seat. At the same time, due to the characteristics of pillows, which rise up against the back of the structure, there is an increase in the sleeping bed.

Assembly and disassembly of such structures takes more time compared to other systems.

Transforming sofas with the butterfly system are considered as one of the most reliable, strong and durable. Today such a system is very popular among buyers. She turns a 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 unit is folded back (to the extended rear section).

The advantage of the model is a significant size of the sleeping bed in the unfolded form and compactness in the assembly.The disadvantage of the mechanism is the vulnerability of the rollers during the 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 kangaroo jumps. It has a lower part located under the seat, which is easily pulled forward when unfolded. The sliding block rises on the necessary place, densely adjoining to 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 lifetime with frequent transformation. This design can not be called reliable.

The device of this mechanism resembles the "dolphin" system. To spread out such a sofa, you first need to pull the loop of the lower section under the seat, push it all the way. At the same time roll out and seat. Then the unit is raised to the level of the height of the bed, lowered back seat mat, forming a full-sleeping bed in three parts.

This system is used in straight and corner models of sofas. 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 over time.

Mechanisms with folding sections are no more complicated than drawouts. Usually they are based on the most versatile systems ("frog"), so do not require more than a few seconds to turn the sofa into a full bed. For their transformation it is not necessary to roll out sections from under the seat.

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

To expand the sofa, you need to raise the seat until it clicks. At the same time, the backrest is lowered backwards, the seat is slightly moved forward, opening the two halves of the block into a single surface for sleeping.

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

This is a classic time-tested mechanism. Such sofas are universal and suitable for regular transformation.Their mechanism is as simple as possible, so it is not subject to breakdowns and is characterized by a long service life.

The mechanism of transformation of the corner sofa, the principle of which is to rotate one section to another - with the folding blocks and reliable fixation of the sections with a metal mount from the bottom. This forms a compact sleeping bed with a bedside cabinet, open as a result of the transformation 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 a sleeping bed, three are laid out. In this case, the seat is also raised and simultaneously pulled forward, then lowered into position on the floor. At this time, the next one extends out from under each block, adding 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 a fixed backrest.

System with folding fixed cushions that perform the function of the 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 areas, take the handle and turn the seat block down, opening the sleeping bed in two or three parts. When the bed is decomposed, you will need to lower the pillows, wrapping them on the bed.

The folding mechanism intended for daily operation. At the heart of the design is a “folding bed” of double addition, 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 grid at the base, as well as mats of moderate hardness.

The following devices provide transformation by unfolding the sections. In most models (except for the "accordion"), the backrest is motionless and does not participate in disassembling the sofa.

The device is a mechanism resembling the stretching of the fur of harmonies To spread out such a sofa, you just need to pull the seat. In this case, the back, consisting of two blocks connected to the top, automatically goes down, decomposing into two halves.

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

This design is similar to the "clamshell", 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 turns right out of it, turning the seat block down

An alternative to the "accordion" system is with the difference that in the last one the sleeping place is made up of three blocks (according to the principle of folding the fan), and in this system the blocks are turned inwards and unfolded when unfolded. They are equipped with supports and have a narrow type of stuffing, which is a minus of such structures.

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

Such a mechanism is more reliable than its French counterpart. You do not need to first remove the cushions from the seat before transformation.The system implies identical sections (there are three of them) that are laid out one after another 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 laundry compartment and steel structural elements are felt at the joints of the sections.

Option with a clamshell mechanism. The folding structure is located under the seat consisting of modular cushions. To make the sofa a bed, you need to remove the pillows, freeing the clamshell blocks. Since they are in a wrapped position, they first take the upper one, set the desired position by placing a metal support, and then unfold the remaining sections. This design is not designed for daily transformation - as well as analogs.

Models with a swivel mechanism differ from other systems in ease of transformation. In them, the load on the frame is minimal, since there is no need to roll out sections until it stops. They do not need to lift additional blocks.

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

Folding armrests - a unique method of transformation. Today, these sofas - in the center of attention of designers. With their help, you can surround the nursery, adjusting the dimensions of the furniture if necessary.

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

A convenient system for small rooms and children's rooms, a large area for transformation is not needed. Furniture can be put against the wall. This sofa can be compared with its counterpart, it has a compact body and roomy storage space for bedding.The surface of the seat and armrests make up a single unit that unfolds in length.

Such devices are somewhat more complicated than the rest. 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.

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

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

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

The first packing options are distinguished by the presence of twisted-shaped springs (the position is vertical). We can distinguish dependent and independent types. In the first case, the sofa bends down. Such mats are unreliable because they do not have the correct support of the spine during rest or sleep (in a sitting and lying position).

Independent type springs do not touch each other, so each of them works independently, without forcing the others to cave in where they are not needed. As a result, the back always remains flat, and the load on the spine decreases.

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

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

To serve the sofa for a long time, it is better to choose a 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 packing is added, but also other material (to give the desired rigidity).

If the latex block is not suitable for the budget, you should pay attention to furniture polyurethane foam type HR or synthetic latex. These materials are somewhat inferior to expensive packings, but if properly used, they will last for 10-12 years.

As for the transformation mechanism, the dolphin and their analogues, models with the clamshell system, will not be suitable for daily use. The most reliable designs for every day are "eurobook", "pantograph", "puma" and turning mechanisms.

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

• space for a sofa (folded and disassembled);
• the purpose of the sofa (guest option or alternative bed);
• load intensity mode (weight control based on the choice of the "right" blocks of the seat and back);
• simplicity and convenience in work (the sofa should be easy, because complex systems break more often and are not always recoverable);
• the correct diameter of the steel elements (not less than 1.5 cm).

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

• the flawless movement of the mechanism in work (it should not be stuck);
• the absence of loosening of the structure during transformation (this is an obvious marriage, which shortens the life of the sofa);
• absence of rust, scratches, dents, defects in the assembly of the mechanism;
• high-quality upholstery material that will not be erased from frequent transformation of the sofa (with the contact of sections);
• strong and durable metal mechanism, resistant to heavy loads (two or three people);
• the 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 a sofa. Customer reviews are contradictory and based on personal preferences. However, many believe that the clamshell model does not provide a good rest, although they do an excellent job with the function of the guest options.On them it is quite possible to arrange guests, but for daily rest it is worth purchasing more convenient models.

The most convenient options for sofas include designs with “eurobook” and “pantograph” systems. Buyers believe that they allow the body to relax overnight, relax muscles and relieve tension. However, the owners of the sofas note that for a serene sleep there is not enough convenient mechanism: you need to buy a sofa model with an orthopedic unit.

For information on how to choose the mechanism of transformation of the sofa, see the following video.