Mechanisms for transforming sofas - briefly about each

First, let’s define what a sofa transformation mechanism is. Another name is often used - the sofa folding mechanism. Professionals prefer the concept of transformation, so I will continue to use it.

Under these names lies an element that transforms the sofa into various shapes and provisions. For example, a sofa from a sitting position turns into a sofa bed or a sofa for “relaxation” with a partially reclined back. Another example of transformation is changing the shape of a sofa. For example, a corner sofa can be turned into a straight one or vice versa.

Why is it important to choose the right sofa transformation mechanism?

• The mechanism is one of the main ones, therefore the overall service life of the transformer sofa depends on its reliability.
• The mechanism affects the convenience and ease of converting the sofa into different positions.
• Depending on the transformation mechanism, different free spaces in the room will be required to bring the sofa into the desired positions.
• depends on the type of transformation mechanism. After all, it is under it that the mechanism is hidden from our eyes.

Sofas without transformation mechanisms

By definition, such sofas do not contain transformation elements and are not capable of folding out. Sofas without mechanisms are used to create seating for two or more people. We can offer this option for small size. Less often they can be found as a sofa for sleeping. Although for people without excess weight using a sofa in this capacity is quite acceptable.

Sofas that cannot be folded out can be used as separate sofa modules. Having used several similar modules, especially different sizes, you can change the shape of a sofa made up of modules.

Monolithic the sofa will do For hallway, living room and decorate the kitchen or dining room. Often this type of sofa can be found in public places.

Pros: there is no mechanism, which means there is nothing to break. The service life of monolithic sofas is longer than the service life folding sofas.

Cons: There is no mechanism, there is no possibility of transforming the sofa. Monolithic sofas are not suitable for organizing sleeping places, especially if you need to sleep two or more people.

Transformation mechanism for the sofa “Book”

The “Book” sofa can be folded into two positions: a sitting sofa and a sofa for sleeping.

The sofa can be converted into a sleeping position by tilting the back of the sofa back.

When unfolding, you will not have to move the sofa away from the wall, but you need to take into account that the design of the sofa requires free space between the wall and the back of the sofa.

The folding parts of the sofa are wooden or metal frames with spring blocks attached to them. In addition to spring blocks, another filler can be used - foam rubber or latex. Sofa with spring block is preferable because it has best performance in terms of service life and comfort.

The “Book” sofa often contains a section for bed linen inside

Advantages: durable, reliable, time-tested mechanism. Suitable for frequent use and organizing a sleeping place.

Flaws: The sofa can only be reclined in two positions - sitting and lying down. During transformation, a bulge or depression may appear in the part where the folding parts of the sofa are connected, which will negatively affect the comfort of sleep. The “book” cannot be placed tightly against the wall, since the unfolding mechanism requires free space between the wall and the backrest.

Transformation mechanism for the “Tango” sofa

When preparing this article, I came across the fact that manufacturers come up with their own names for mechanisms of the same type in terms of properties. This causes confusion. This is the case with the Tango mechanism.

The “Click-clack (clack)” mechanism has similar properties. In fact, both mechanisms are similar to the “Book” already described above.

The main difference from the "Book" consists in the ability of "Tango" ("Click-clack (clack)") to take intermediate positions of the back of the sofa when unfolding.

In addition to full horizontal folding, the backrest can be in a half-lying, half-sitting position. This opportunity creates additional comfort for relaxation.

Tango sofas have a section for storing beds

Advantages: the mechanism allows you to fix the back of the sofa in several positions, "Tango" sofas are small in size, and when folded flat, the sofa creates a surface without unevenness or bumps.

Flaws: It is not possible to place the sofa tightly against the wall; when transforming, the backrest needs space to fold out.

Transformation mechanism for the Eurobook sofa

Mechanism operation: the seat of the sofa moves forward on roll-out rollers, creating a niche in shape and size identical to the back cushions of the sofa. The pillows are placed in a niche, resulting in a flat surface for the sleeping area.

Advantages: the ease of converting a sofa into a bed, the simplicity of the mechanism itself - read its high reliability, a large and flat place to sleep, large niches inside the sofa for storing things and a bed.
Flaws Because of the wide seats, it is not comfortable to sit on the sofa leaning against its back, especially for people of short stature.

Transformation mechanism for the sofa "Pantograph" ("Tick-tock", "Puma", "Walking Eurobook")

It’s the same story with the “Pantograph” as with the “Tango” sofas. Apparently, for the sake of catchphrase, sellers and manufacturers came up with a number of bright names for essentially the same mechanism. So, what else did we manage to find under the guise of a “Pantograph” - “Tick-tock”, “Puma” and even “Walking Eurobook”. To avoid confusion, I will further call the mechanism “Pantograph” (it sounds somehow solid and mysterious))) .

The “Pantograph” arose as a variant of the “Eurobook” mechanism. The difference is that the “pantograph” does not have roll-out rollers. Otherwise, it has similar parameters to the “Eurobook”. It is equipped with internal niches for storage, has a large and even sleeping place.

The principle of operation of the mechanism: To unfold, just pull the sofa seat up, grasping its edge in the middle. Often, sofas are equipped with hinges - handles for ease of unfolding. By pulling the sofa seat up, you activate its mechanism, which pushes the seat up and forward and at the same time opens the legs of the support and stands on them. The back cushion is placed in the resulting niche. The result is a flat, without visible joints, place for two people to sleep.

Advantages: sofas with "Pantograph" have a comfortable place to sleep. The mechanism is easy to unfold. Such a sofa will not spoil your flooring because when unfolding, parts of the sofa do not move on the floor.

Flaws: The mechanism is expensive because of this and the cost of the sofa becomes higher. Due to the wide seat, it is not comfortable to sit on the sofa; you need to use additional pillows

Mechanism for transforming the sofa "French folding bed"

The principle of operation of the mechanism: The sleeping surface of the sofa consists of three sections. You need to pull the edge of the seat and stretch them forward. The sections will open and stand on legs - supports. When folded, the sections are hidden inside the sofa body.

Sofas in this series are not suitable for frequent use since the mechanism is quite weak in terms of wear and tear.

These sofas don't even have space to store a bed - that's all interior space The sofa is occupied by a folded sleeping place.

Assembled" French folding bed" is small in size, but to unfold it you will need free space (at least 1.50 meters) in front of the front of the sofa

Advantages: when assembled it is small in size.

Flaws: uncomfortable sleeping surface, no places to store the bed, short term service (about five years)

Conclusion: you can use the “French folding bed” to organize seating and for rare use as a sleeping place - an option for unexpected guests to stay late (they won’t sleep on such a sofa for a long time and will soon run away))).

Sofa transformation mechanism American folding bed (Sedaflex, Sedaflex)

The principle of operation of the mechanism: The place to sleep has three parts - sections. You need to pull the seat of the sofa, as a result of which the sections of the sleeping place will open and stand on supports. Unfolding takes place in two stages - first one section will open, followed by the next one.

In essence, this mechanism is identical to the “French clamshell” mechanism.

Its main difference can be called reliability.

The frame of the sofa and the mechanism itself are made of wear-resistant materials. This makes it possible to regularly use Sedaflex as a transformable sleeping bed.

Advantages: easy to operate, has good reliability and durability.

Flaws: there is no place for linen, the surface of the sleeping place has seams.

Mechanism for transforming the sofa “Italian folding bed”

This transformation mechanism belongs to the double-folding mechanisms just like the American clamshell. A double-folding mechanism is a mechanism that is brought into working position in two steps.

The principle of operation of the mechanism

To unfold the Italian folding bed from the sofa to the bed, you need to pull the top part the back of the sofa (usually the back has a special loop for these purposes).

• In the first step of unfolding the back of the sofa, together with the pillows, leans forward and then lies down and rests on the seat of the sofa.
• At the second stage inner part The structure of the sofa rotates around its axis, this is reminiscent of the unwinding of a rolled mattress. After this reversal, the support legs are revealed; the previously hidden ones were hidden and folded inside the structure, and the resulting sleeping area of ​​the sofa rests on them.

Due to reinforced springs, the mechanism can be folded and unfolded without significant effort.

Advantages of the Italian folding bed: this mechanism is the most reliable and durable of folding beds, this was made possible thanks to the use of reinforced metal pipes in the frame of the mechanism, the sofa when folded has a compact size, when unfolding there is no need to remove the pillows from the seat of the sofa, Italian folding beds, among other folding beds, have the thickest and most comfortable mattress for sleeping, in addition, slats and belts are used in the frame, which create an orthopedic effect.

Flaws lack of storage space for linen, high price

Transformation mechanism for the sofa “Accordion”

The principle of operation of the mechanism: “Accordion” acquired its name for its similarity to the principle of operation of the bellows of an accordion (they stretch back and forth). The sleeping space of the sofa also seems to stretch, moving forward, when the sofa is brought into the sleeping position, and rests on the extended supports. After the transformation, we have a flat, although with minor seams there is a spacious place to relax and sleep.

The convenience of the "Accordion" sofa is in its compact size when folded. But we must not forget that to unfold the sofa you will need free space in front of its front part (at least 1.50 meters is needed)

Accordion models are often equipped with an additional storage cabinet bedding This cabinet is located near the back of the sofa.

There is no storage space inside the sofa itself; the space is occupied by a folded sofa.

Advantages: The mechanism is reliable and resistant to stress, which increases the service life of the sofa. Comes with additional storage cabinets. Ease of moving the sofa into a sleeping position.

Flaws: The sofa, when placed in the sleeping position, moves on the floor, so it can damage the floor covering.

Transformation mechanism for the sofa "Spartak"

The principle of operation of the mechanism: Triple folding mechanism. You need to pull the seat of the sofa and it will unfold in three steps while standing on the extended legs.

The design of the mechanism was developed by Italian engineers. This mechanism belongs to the metal frame type. The frame is made of profile pipes on which a dense mesh made of metal rods 4 mm thick is mounted. The frame consists of three sections. The mesh creates a good orthopedic effect. On top of the mesh is a polyurethane foam mattress. It is comfortable to sleep on such sofas. The design of the mechanism provides a large sleeping place, which is especially important for tall people. The mechanism is very reliable because it does not contain wooden or plastic parts.

Advantages: reliability and durability, easy to unfold, can be used daily, flat and large sleeping area
Flaws: there is no place to store bedding since the mechanism occupies the entire interior space of the sofa when assembled, sofa cushions must be removed before unfolding.

Sofa with fold-out floor

The principle of operation of the mechanism The sleeping area consists of two sections. When folded, the sections are hidden inside the sofa body. To unfold the sofa, you need to pull up the inner edge of the sofa seat. Then, move the sections forward towards you. The sleeping place has no supports and folds directly onto the floor.

It cannot be said that the sofa is comfortable for sleeping since the joints of the sections are noticeable and the sleeping place itself is located very low. That's why similar models can be used for occasional use as a bedroom. But for sitting it’s a completely acceptable option.

Advantages: compact dimensions when assembled, the most cheap look folding sofas.
Flaws: not comfortable to sleep, no places to store bedding

The principle of operation of the mechanism: The sleeping area consists of two segments. When assembled, the segments are located in the sofa body. To unfold the sofa, you need to pull the lower part from the front. After which it will roll forward into the working position. All that remains is to fold the pillow into the free space. As a result of the transformation, convenient place for sleep.

Roll-out sofas are durable and reliable models. Well suited for frequent use. Contains internal space for storing bedding.

Advantages: the most reliable, have a comfortable place to sleep and compact dimensions when assembled.

Flaws: the roll-out casters of the sofa can ruin the floor covering when unfolding, the sleeping place has a low height

Mechanism for folding out the sofa "Conrad" ("Telescope")

The principle of operation of the mechanism: "Conrad" consists of three sections. To unfold the sofa, you need to pull the lower part of the sofa from the front. In this case, the sections roll out one after another. Because of this feature, the mechanism was nicknamed “Telescope”. The sections roll out and stand on supports.

"Conrad" is a subspecies roll-out sofa. The fundamental difference is the greater height of the berth.

Advantages: reliable mechanism suitable for daily use, the sofas have a compact volume, are equipped with a drawer for linen, and are comfortable for sleeping

Flaws: the mechanism and the sofa are heavy

Transformation mechanism for the sofa "Dolphin"

The principle of operation of the mechanism: To unfold the sofa, you need to pull the front part of the sofa from below. As a result, a section hidden inside the sofa body will roll out towards you. Inside the roll-out section there is a pillow with a strap. You need to grab the strap and pull the pillow up. It will “emerge” and stand on the same level as the seat cushion of the sofa. Voila, the sleeping place is ready.

The Dolphin mechanism is mainly used in the designs of corner sofas. Bed storage space is not located in the roll-out part of the corner sofa. The mechanism puts a significant load on the body of the sofa, so when purchasing, pay attention to the material of the body. Knots are not allowed if wood is used.

Advantages: ease of folding, optimal height sleeping place.

Flaws: not durable.

Transformation mechanism for the sofa "Elf"

The principle of operation of the mechanism: The mechanism unfolds simply. The armrests are moved to the sides to create a sleeping area.

"Elf" refers to metal-frame mechanisms. The frame is made of metal profiled pipes. Wooden slats. The armrests are height adjustable and have several positions. This feature allows you to create the most comfortable position of the armrests for a reclining position.

Advantages: compact model of sofas, good flat sleeping place, slats give a good orthopedic effect, armrests are adjustable - you can create a sofa for yourself.

Flaws: You cannot place the sofa close to the wall; the sleeping area is located in the same place as the seating area.

Transformation mechanism for the sofa "Recliner"

"Recliner" got its name from English word recline - recline or lean back

The principle of operation of the mechanism: The transformation of the sofa is controlled using complex mechanisms hidden in the body of the sofa. With their help, you can adjust the tilt of the back of the sofa and extend the footrest to a given distance and at a certain angle.

Some models have vibrating massagers built into the sofa cushions. Particularly advanced sofas have built-in electric motors that control the transformation of the sofa using a remote control.

There are models with “memory” that are capable of adjusting and remembering the mechanism settings made directly to your body.

Advantages: very easy to use, have fine settings - you can create a sofa just for you.

Flaws: high price, used only as a place to relax since there is no place to sleep

General conclusions

• Pay close attention to the mechanism when purchasing a sofa. The ease of use and service life of the sofa will depend on choosing the right mechanism.
• Match your needs with its capabilities. How often will you unfold the sofa, what space do you have allocated for installing the sofa, especially when unfolded.
• Don’t choose a sofa with a mechanism that is obviously not suitable just because the color is cool or because your neighbors have one. Choose individually for your needs.

Mechanisms for transforming sofas - video review

For greater clarity, I would also like to offer a video that describes the mechanisms of the sofas. True, they have already been discussed above. But, as they taught in school, “Repetition is the mother of learning))),” and this video will facilitate and consolidate your understanding of the topic.

Now you know everything you need about the mechanisms for transforming sofas to make an informed choice. I hope it was useful.

Three-fold transformation mechanism - "Spartak"

The folding bed "Spartak" is produced by the Samara enterprise "BIS-S" under license from the company "Ranucci" (Ranucci, Italy).
Suitable for replacement Italian folding phones French type. Similar to the MTSN “Welded Grid” mechanism produced by the Moscow region group of companies “Allegro” and the “Ifagrid” mechanism from “Via Ferrata”.
It should be noted that the method of fastening transverse pipes on the “Spartak” mechanism is less reliable than on the MTS and MTSN (“Welded Lattice”) mechanisms.