Accordion mechanism for a sofa, operating principle, characteristics

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 positions. 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 structural components of the sofa, therefore the overall service life of the transformable 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.
The shape of the sofa also depends on the type of transformation mechanism. After all, it is under it that the mechanism is hidden from our eyes.

Now let's get down to specifics. Next, I will present various mechanisms for transforming sofas and describe their positive and negative sides. Let's go!

Advantages and disadvantages of the design

Important advantages of the “dolphin” transformation system are:

reliability of the design,
ease of use,
compactness of the mechanism when folded,
long service life,
presence of a drawer for linen (in corner models),
can be installed in both straight and corner versions of upholstered furniture.

The unfolded surface of such a sofa is smooth and suitable for regular sleep. In expensive models, special orthopedic pillows and a base with armor are used, which makes the rest even more comfortable.

A corner sofa with a “dolphin” transformation mechanism is more practical due to the presence of a built-in storage box.

Meanwhile, sofas with the “dolphin” system are not without certain disadvantages. Among them:

transformation to the “bed” position and back requires some physical effort, for example, the child may not be able to cope with this;
there is no drawer for things in a straight sofa; the space under the sofa is occupied by the main parts of the mechanism;
wheels can damage the flooring and will not move well on the carpet;
Breakage of guides, draw-out rollers and other structural elements is possible (as is the case with any other mechanisms).

In order for a sofa with a “dolphin” transformation system to last a long time, it is necessary to periodically lubricate and clean the mechanism, and when unfolding, and especially folding, do not use excessive force. Failed parts can be replaced, thereby extending the life of the sofa.

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. You can offer this option for a sofa in a small living room. Less often they can be found as a sofa for sleeping. Although for people who are not overweight, using a sofa in this capacity is quite acceptable.

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

A monolithic sofa is suitable for the hallway, for the living room and will 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 of folding sofas.

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

Varieties and sizes

Teak mechanism – this is what most sofa models have.

The pantograph rod design allows you to unfold the sofa in two steps without damaging the floor coverings.

The sofas are different:

By form:
Straight, when folded they take up little space.
By type of armrests:
Soft armrests, they are covered with a fabric that is pleasant and soft to the touch. Their presence will protect you from unwanted injuries. There are also models without armrests. They can be installed even in the smallest room.
By type of bed:
No springs. Models of this type of furniture are made using polyurethane foam. The material is elastic, resilient, durable and does not cause allergies.

Note! A sofa with a teak mechanism is available in various models and sizes. When choosing a folding option, it is necessary to take into account the dimensions of the product, the area of the room and the installation location.

Straight models have a length between the side parts from 195 to 200 cm, a backrest height of no more than 93-95 cm. When unfolded, the width of the berth is at least 150 cm.

Absolutely anyone can cope with this transformation mechanism.

Corner models are larger than straight ones. Length varies from 225 cm to 350 cm, width from 155 – 180 cm.

Sofas with this design can be unfolded daily without damaging the mechanism, since it has long-term wear resistance, unlike models with other folding mechanisms.

Transformation mechanism for the sofa “Book”

The “Book” sofa can be folded out 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 won’t 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. A sofa with a spring block is preferable, as it has better 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 area.

Disadvantages : 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 back.

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” is the ability of the “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.

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

How to properly repair or replace parts

An important advantage of the mechanism is the minimal risk of breakdowns, provided that it is made of high-quality materials. Most often the problem is that the frame is loose. This will be indicated by the unsteadiness of the sofa when unfolding. In this case, you just need to tighten the fasteners.

If the sofa begins to wobble when unfolding, you just need to tighten the fasteners.

Another type of breakdown is broken attachment points of the retractable mechanism to the mobile drawer. To fix it you need:

dismantle the “dolphin” mechanism;
drill new holes next to the standard ones;
fasten in reverse order.

By the way! Furniture made from pressed sheet materials (chipboard, MDF) is more difficult to repair.

A sofa made of pressed material is more difficult to repair.
If the sofa is made of wood, then the dowel is placed on glue, a hole is drilled, and hammered. Then the mechanism is installed in its original place.

To repair a sofa, you need to remove the back of the furniture, then you will have access to the mechanism, which is located at the bottom and on the sides. You need to pay attention to the bolts that connect the upper and lower parts of the turning plates.

If they are bent, not deformed, the threads are not worn out, it is enough to use machine oil or grease for lubrication.

Sometimes it is enough to simply lubricate the parts of the mechanism.

Deformed fastening elements should be removed with an open-end wrench and pliers and replaced with new ones.

Transformation mechanism for the Eurobook sofa

Mechanism operation : the seat of the sofa moves forward on roll-out rollers, forming 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 : ease of converting a sofa into a bed, simplicity of the mechanism itself - read its high reliability, large and flat place to sleep, large niches inside the sofa for storing things and a bed. Disadvantages : due to the wide seats, it is not comfortable to sit on the sofa leaning against its back, especially for people of short stature.

Manufacturing materials

The base of the sofa frame with a tick-tock mechanism consists of a box, a frame and panels. It is made tough, durable, reliable. Different materials are used for manufacturing:

It is possible to use metal, the parts of which are firmly connected by electric welding. Such products may seem lightweight, but their construction is incredibly durable.
Slat frames are made from hard wood, such as birch, beech, or plywood. A base made of these materials helps to distribute the load evenly over almost the entire area of the furniture, which ensures comfort for the sleeping person.
Often, for the construction of sofas, frames are used from materials containing wood at their core - timber, chipboard.
Expensive furniture is created mainly from durable solid beech. Russian manufacturers often use spruce and pine to make frames. The main thing is that the wood is well dried - the longevity of the furniture depends on this.
Sofas whose base is made of multi-layer plywood are of high quality. Such furniture raw materials, with the correct manufacturing technology, are durable and do not deform. It holds the fittings perfectly.
Load-bearing furniture elements are usually made simultaneously from several types of materials. This can be a combination of solid wood beams with plywood, chipboards with timber. Particle board is not a very durable material for creating a frame; due to its low cost, it can be used for budget furniture options or creating linen drawers.

Reiki

Metal

Solid wood with chipboard

The products also differ in the composition of the filler. The most common options:

Bonnell. In this design, all the springs are connected to each other by wire in the form of a spiral, located between two frames made of steel. Due to this connection, the product holds its shape perfectly. The orthopedic effect depends on the number of springs per 1 m2.
Independent Posket Spring block. The steel springs in this design are made in a cylindrical shape. Each of them is wrapped in a textile cover. When you press the block, the springs are compressed, and the compression does not depend on each other. Thanks to this system, the product does not sag or creak. There are usually more than 200 springs per 1 m2. A sofa on a spring block with a pantograph is a durable, reliable product that can withstand high loads. The filler provides a smooth surface for the sleeping area and promotes air circulation.
PPU. Polyurethane foam is also used as an internal component of the bed, the density of which is 30-40 kg per 1 m2. The polyurethane foam used to make sofas is an elastic, resilient material, does not cause allergies, serves for a long time, maintaining its original condition.

Pocket Spring

Bonnell

PPU

A wide range of materials are also used for upholstery of products. The most popular varieties include the following:

Leather. Natural expensive material, has a luxurious look. The most durable and damage-resistant option is patent leather.
Leatherette. With high-quality processing, it will be a worthy competitor to natural material. Artificial leather is easier to care for, and its prices are significantly lower.
Flock. Soft, pleasant to the touch, durable, low-maintenance fabric with pile.
Tapestry. It is distinguished by the absence of lint and the beauty of the design, which is applied using thermal printing.
Velours. Wool fabric with a pile front surface. Externally it resembles velvet.

All fabrics are distinguished by high strength, attractive appearance, a variety of colors, and ease of care.

Velours

Tapestry

Flock

Leatherette

Leather

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

The story with the “Pantograph” is the same 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, and has a large and flat sleeping area.

Principle of operation of the mechanism : To unfold it, 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 floor covering because when unfolded, parts of the sofa do not move on the floor.

Disadvantages : 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”

How the mechanism works: 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.

It is not recommended to sleep permanently on “Folding beds” since the sleeping surface contains uneven surfaces and has poor orthopedic characteristics.

These sofas don’t even have space to store a bed; the entire interior space of the sofa is occupied by a folded bed.

When assembled, the “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.

Disadvantages: uncomfortable sleeping surface, no places to store the bed, short service life (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 sleeping place 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. The 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 use, has good reliability and durability.

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

The procedure for transforming “sofa-bed”

Folding out the sofa takes place in 2 steps, but we will look at the process in a little more detail:

Grasp the special loops or brackets located on the lower side of the seat with your hands.
Move upwards and towards yourself to activate the mechanism. The seat will rise above the sofa and move forward.

Raise the sofa seat by pulling it up and forward
Place the seat legs on the floor. In this position, access to the linen drawer is open.

Lower the seat to a new position
Lower the back of the sofa, turning it from a vertical position to a horizontal one.

Turn the back of the sofa
As a result of these simple steps, the sofa transforms into a bed.

The result is a double bed with a flat surface

The process of unfolding a sofa can be depicted schematically.

The pantograph sofa unfolds in two stages

And the bed can also easily be moved to the “sofa” position:

Raise the backrest to an upright position.
Raise the seat and push it towards the backrest.

Video: how the pantograph transformation mechanism works

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 upper part of the back of the sofa towards you (usually the back has a special loop for this purpose).

In the first step of unfolding, the back of the sofa, together with the pillows, tilts forward and then lies down and rests on the seat of the sofa.
At the second stage, the inner part of the sofa structure 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 became 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 have the most a thick and comfortable mattress for sleeping; in addition, the frame uses slats and belts that create an orthopedic effect.

Disadvantages: lack of storage space for linen, high price

In terms of ease of use and orthopedic properties, this type of mechanism is most suitable for a sleeping sofa for daily use.

What to do if the sofa does not fold out

Turning an assembled sofa into a full-fledged bed is quite simple, because this is what the mechanism is designed for. The accordion layout sequence is as follows:

The layout area is cleared of unnecessary objects and floor coverings in the form of a carpet (if any). This is necessary, since the movement of the mechanism’s rollers will be carried out along the floor.
The seat rises until it clicks, which indicates that the safety unit is turned off. In budget models there may not be a click, then the seat just needs to be brought to the top point.
The raised seat stretches towards itself to the end, as a result of which the individual blocks form a single space.

Types of click-clack sofas, features of transformation

At this stage the bed is ready. To fold it, you need to roll the seat into place until it stops. Raise the bottom until it clicks and lower it. This movement will lock the mechanism and make the sofa compact again.

If the design is in good working order, there will be no problems with transformation. But since this is a mechanism, problems do occur. The weakest points include: the wheels of the mechanism, frame hinges, lamellas and the frame itself.

Rollers that become clogged, stop spinning, or otherwise stop working will be cheaper and easier to replace than to repair. Replacement wheels must be of the same size. The procedure is as follows: unscrew the screws or screws securing them to the axle, and then fasten the new parts in the same way.

The slats can also burst and crack if they are subjected to heavy loads. Fasteners also often fail. A sofa with such damage begins to creak and depressions form on it. Individual wooden planks for replacement can be purchased at furniture stores, as well as a set of fasteners. Installing them without the special equipment used to install rivets is difficult. But it is quite possible to replace them with standard bolts - this will not make the design work any worse.

If the problem lies in the mechanism itself or the hinges, it is better to seek help from professional furniture makers. They will be able to carry out welding work and change parts. And in particularly difficult cases, they will recommend replacing the entire sofa.

You can prevent breakage by regularly lubricating the joints, but this does not always save you, and the furniture can still break.

Sofas with an accordion mechanism are compact, easy to use and reliable. They can be angular, straight, or in a chair format, and can also be equipped with additional storage for things and shelves. The mechanism is easy to unfold, but expensive to repair, so it is better to choose steel frames, the service life of which is much higher than wooden or aluminum ones.

Free the wheels from dust and replace if necessary.

Check the lamellas, replace cracked or broken ones

Tighten fastenings

Check the operation of the mechanism, replace or repair broken parts

Transformation mechanism for the sofa “Accordion”

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, a spacious place for rest 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 (you need at least 1.50 meters)

Accordion models are often equipped with an additional cabinet for storing 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: Reliable and load-resistant mechanism, which increases the service life of the sofa. Comes with additional storage cabinets. Ease of moving the sofa into a sleeping position.

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

Transformation mechanism for the Spartak sofa

Operating principle 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 place Disadvantages: there is no place to store bedding since the mechanism occupies the entire internal space of the sofa when assembled, you need to remove the sofa cushions before unfolding.

Popular models

Manufacturers offer straight and corner sofas. They differ in size, materials of manufacture, and design. Corner models are often equipped with a drawer for bed linen. Straight sofas with the Dolphin mechanism are distinguished by a variety of designs. They can have one or two armrests, a regular backrest or with cushions, a solid seat or divided into compartments. Instead of an armrest, some models have a table with shelves for books and magazines.

Straight sofas with the Dolphin mechanism also differ in size. The standard length is 200 cm. The width of the bed can be 160–190 cm. These models are designed for adults and can comfortably accommodate 2 people. Despite their spaciousness, when assembled they do not seem bulky.

Compact models - with sleeping space dimensions of 120–140 x 190 cm. They are designed for one person, so most often they are placed in a teenager’s room. They also produce compact models for children in the form of a sofa. Some sofas have only one armrest; the sleeping area is located perpendicular to the back. The width of the product can be from 80 to 130 cm, length - 160–180 cm. These sizes are quite enough for a comfortable sleep for a child of 10–12 years.

Pros and cons of sofas with the Sedaflex mechanism, selection criteria

For adults

For teenagers

For children

Sofa with fold-out floor

The principle of operation of the mechanism The berth 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. Therefore, such 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 cheapest type of folding sofas. Disadvantages : not comfortable to sleep, no places to store bedding

Types of pantograph sofas

Based on the Pantograph mechanism, different models of sofas are produced:

straight - the sofa seat is a single movable block;

A straight sofa bed does not take up much space and is well suited for small apartments
a straight sofa can consist of two blocks that fold out independently of each other;

A straight sofa with independent blocks can be folded out in parts
in the corner model, only part of the structure is folded out, complementing the fixed parts to create a full-fledged sleeping place;

Corner sofa provides plenty of space to relax during the day
A U-shaped sofa is a type of corner sofa, consisting of three parts, one or two of which are movable.

A sofa in the shape of the letter P will look good in a spacious room

Roll-out sofa

The principle of operation of the mechanism: The berth 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, a comfortable place to sleep is formed.

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.

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

What is

The most comfortable and functional piece of upholstered furniture is the Dolphin sofa. It is easy to transform and has a wide comfortable sleeping area. The folding mechanism is used as a roll-out mechanism. The design consists of a seat, under which there is a platform (when folded). The furniture received its unusual name due to the unfolding process: the platform, like an aquatic mammal, seems to “emerge” from under the seat.

The sofa transformation mechanism itself is a metal structure. One of the sections slides along the guides and moves forward with the help of wheels. The withdrawable element consists of two blocks. One of them is a mattress, it is recessed into the frame. Using a lever system, the element can be easily raised to the seat level. In the unfolded position, it is secured by reliable springs and blocks. Assembling the sofa is no less simple: you will need to lower the additional platform down and slide it under the seat. Most often this mechanism is used in corner models, but straight Dolphin sofas are also common.

When folded, “Dolphin” is an ordinary sofa with a wide and comfortable seat.

Due to its simplicity and reliability, this method of folding out a sofa is the most common; almost half of the upholstered furniture is equipped with just such a system. The demand is due to the advantages that characterize the Dolphin mechanism:

When folded, the sofa is compact and easily fits into a room of any size. It can be installed close to the wall; this position does not affect the unfolding process.
The sleeping area is wide, comfortable for two people. In addition, it is smooth and comfortable. Many models are equipped with an orthopedic base. And modern eco-friendly upholstery materials eliminate the possibility of allergies.
The mechanism used in the Dolphin sofas works as simply as possible. There is no need to make any physical effort: unfolding and assembly are carried out in a matter of seconds.
The simplicity of the design does not affect the reliability and durability of the furniture. The innovative mechanism can withstand more than 1000 transformation cycles, the possible load level reaches 400 kg.
The furniture has a modern stylish design and functionality. You can choose a straight or corner sofa, with or without pillows, with any type of upholstery. There are models with shelves or a table on the side. A bedside table is often mounted in the middle of corner models. Sometimes there are convenient drawers for linen at the bottom.

Types of sofas with the Eurobook transformation mechanism, their features
However, sofas equipped with the Dolphin mechanism may have disadvantages. The most important thing is the wheels, which cling to the carpet and can ruin the flooring during installation. If there is a rug with a high pile in front of the sofa, the latter may wrap around the rollers, which will lead to a distortion of the frame or breakage of the mechanism.

Sometimes, due to poor-quality assembly, the roll-out part ends up lower or higher than the seat, creating discomfort during sleep. And due to the specific design, the sleeping place may be very high from the floor, which is inconvenient for many users. In addition, if you do not regularly check and maintain the Dolphin transformation mechanism, there is a high risk that it will quickly fail.

All moving parts must be periodically lubricated and cleaned of dust, this can extend the life of upholstered furniture.

Mechanism for folding out the sofa “Conrad” (“Telescope”)

How the mechanism works : “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 subtype of a roll-out sofa. The fundamental difference is the greater height of the berth.

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

Disadvantages: the mechanism and sofa are heavy

Transformation mechanism for the “Dolphin” sofa

How the mechanism works: 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 sofa seat cushion. 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 : comfortable sleeping place, ease of use

Disadvantages : not very reliable mechanism, service life is about 7 years.

Selection of materials

To produce the Dolphin sofa, standard materials for upholstered furniture are used. Usually the body is made of wood or chipboard, the transformation mechanism is made of metal. The most options are provided for upholstery and filling. As for the latter, Dolphin-type sofas are rarely equipped with heavy spring blocks. In budget models, the filler is padding polyester or foam rubber; in more expensive ones, latex, polyurethane foam, and coconut tow are used.

Frame

The body of sofas must be strong and reliable, which is why it is most often made of hard wood. It can be oak, beech, ash, walnut, larch. More budget models can be made of birch or pine. It is worth considering that under heavy load they may begin to crack.

Sometimes the body is made of chipboard, laminated chipboard or MDF. These are cheap materials, thanks to them furniture is affordable. The downside is the low level of strength. In addition, chipboard may contain harmful substances, so it is not recommended to use this material in the production of children's furniture.

Chipboard

MDF

Wood

Transformation mechanism

It’s intuitively easy to understand how the “Dolphin” sofa unfolds. The transformation occurs by extending the frame from under the seat: it slides along guides using rollers. A system of springs and levers is responsible for raising the berth. All these elements are made of durable steel, so they can withstand heavy loads - the sofa will not collapse even after a jump or a sharp landing.

Characteristics of French folding sofas, pros and cons

To increase the service life of furniture, you need to be able to choose a high-quality model. It is especially important to pay attention to the material of the rollers, since they wear out the fastest. The parts must match the size of the chute along which they are moving. You should definitely try folding and unfolding furniture. The comfort of its use will depend on the quality of the transformation mechanism of the Dolphin sofa.

Upholstery

Sofas with the Dolphin mechanism also differ in the upholstery material. Expensive models are made of leather. They are durable, look elegant and stylish, and are easy to care for. A cheaper analogue is a leather substitute, in appearance it does not differ from it, but is less durable and wears out faster.

Popular types of textiles are often used for upholstery of upholstered furniture:

jacquard - beautiful, easy to care for and very durable;
flock - soft to the touch, durable and practical;
cotton is hypoallergenic, mainly used for children's models;
tapestry is practical, decorated with original patterns.

The choice of upholstery material depends on the frequency of use of the sofa and the design features of the room in which the furniture will be located.

Leather

Eco leather

Flock

Cotton

Tapestry

Transformation mechanism for the Kangaroo sofa

The principle of operation of the mechanism: completely similar to the operation of the Dolphin mechanism

The Kangaroo is a variation of the Dolphin mechanism. Due to its design, “Kangaroo” allows you to make sofa models with high legs, which increases the height of the berth. The mechanism received its name for the similarity of the trajectory of unfolding a sofa with the trajectory of a kangaroo jump.

Advantages : ease of unfolding, optimal sleeping height.

Disadvantages : not durable.

Popular manufacturers

Sofas with a tick-tock mechanism are produced by a huge number of factories, both Russian and foreign. The most popular manufacturers are:

"Parma". Perm furniture factory produces high-quality tick-tock sofas.
"Weasel." The company is located in the city of Kirov. Engaged in the manufacture of durable, beautiful furniture.
"Marrakesh". Glazov factory producing furniture. It has a 75-year history and extensive experience in manufacturing modern functional sofas.
"Ardoni." Ulyanovsk furniture enterprise produces elegant, stylish furniture.
"MDV". The manufacturer is located in Vladimir, creates comfortable tick-tock sofas and high-quality pantographs.
"Master Furniture". The Moscow sofa factory produces various models - stylish and modern.

Among the variety of such upholstered furniture, it is difficult to choose the appropriate option. Taking into account the area, the interior of the room, and your own taste, you can find an option that will add a little comfort, coziness, attractiveness to the room, and create an individual look. The “pantograph” sofa folding mechanism will make the process of transforming the structure into a sleeping place quick, simple, and easy.

Master Furniture

Seattle sofa Ardoni

Marrakesh

Weasel

Parma

MDV

Transformation mechanism for the Elf sofa

How the mechanism works: 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.

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

Features of design and configuration of models

The fastening system allows you to easily change the position of the sofa. It operates on the principle of folding or stretching the bellows of a musical instrument (accordion or accordion). The accordion sofa mechanism diagram consists of a frame and three canvases that serve as a bed.

The frame of the sofa is made of steel profile or thin-walled metal pipe. This gives the product sufficient strength for long-term use. There are also models whose frame is made entirely of wood. The bed is formed by wooden planks - lamellas or battens, fixed in the frame. They are located quite close to each other, which gives the sleeping place the necessary orthopedic rigidity. The bed can also be made of metal mesh. The frames are fastened together with a special ATC or BZ locking mechanism, which are responsible for the function of laying out and assembling the sofa.

Bed in unfolded position

The model range of accordion folding sofas is presented in three design options:

Straight sofa, with a classic layout. Such models are suitable for rooms with limited space.
Corner sofa, with a stationary corner section. It is preferable to place it in the living room. This design has the largest number of sitting and sleeping places.
Chair-bed. Usually placed in the nursery, since it is designed for one person. Also, one or two armchairs can complement a straight sofa, creating a full-fledged soft furniture set.

Transformation mechanism for the “Recliner” sofa

“Recliner” got its name from the English word recline - to 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 sofa back 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.

Disadvantages: 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 buying 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.