Features of a sofa with a Pantograph mechanism

Operating principle of the “Pantograph” mechanism

Sofa with Pantograph mechanism

To unfold the sofa, just pull the sofa seat up, grasping its edge in the middle. When pulled out, the sofa seat “steps” up and forward and at the same time the legs of the sofa support open, on which it stands.

The back cushion is placed in the resulting niche. The result is a flat, without visible joints, place for two people to sleep.

Pantograph in working position

I think it was for this pacing that the sofa got one of its names “walking euro book.”

By the way, the Pantograph mechanism was developed on the basis of the Euro book mechanism, which rolls out and does not step out.

For convenience, sofas are usually equipped with a handle loop to make it easier to grip the seat when unfolding.

Sofa pantograph mechanism in action

The procedure for transforming into the “bed” position

The Sedaflex system works according to the familiar clamshell principle.

A sofa with a sedaflex mechanism when assembled does not require any additional manipulations before unfolding.
In this case, the pillows are removed. In some models, they are rigidly attached to the upper part and during transformation they turn over, ending up under the feet of a lying person.
The hidden part of the “clamshell” must be lifted up and pulled towards you using a special loop or handle. As a rule, even a fragile girl can easily cope with this.
Further unfolding is carried out by unfolding the structure. But here you should be careful: in order not to get your hands pinched, you should keep them away from the mechanism.
A sofa laid out in the middle of the room does not look very aesthetically pleasing, but at night this is not significant. Folding the “folding bed” is also not very difficult and is done in the reverse order: the structure is folded, the folded mechanism is lowered into the niche of the sofa.

Schematically, the disassembly and assembly of a transformer with an “American” mechanism is as follows.

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!

Nuances of the Pantograph transformation mechanism

The design of the “Pantograph” sofa is distinguished by a convenient pendulum mechanism that drives the transformation system. Spring blocks ensure ease of manipulation, and the absence of additional elements reduces the likelihood of breakage and increases the level of reliability and durability of the product.

Operating principle of the mechanism

To transform the “Pantograph” sofa, you must perform the following manipulations:

Pull the special belt at the bottom of the seat and lift the seat in the direction of movement of the mechanism.
Lower the raised seat element to the floor.
Lower the backrest element into place of the rearranged part.

An important advantage of the pantograph mechanism is the presence of a lifting mechanism in the design. The transformation process does not use rollers, which can damage the floor covering.

The “pantograph” transformation mechanism can have the following modifications:

Manual – is a transformation in which you need to remove the cushions from the seat yourself;
Automatic - is a fully automated folding process with step-by-step retractable cushions and a lowering backrest.

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.

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. Folding the sofa is also not difficult. To do this, you need to lift the front part of the seat and tilt it forward until the spring clicks in the mechanism. When the spring mechanism is activated, the sofa parts will be locked in the corner position. After this, tilt the previously raised seat towards you.

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. This means that the back legs on the sofa frame will be located 20 -25 centimeters from the wall.

The folding parts of the sofa serve as a sleeping place, and when folded they serve as the seat and back of the sofa. Therefore, they consist of wooden or metal frames on which spring blocks or pillows are fixed - blocks of furniture foam rubber (PPU).

A sofa with a spring block is more durable and has better orthopedic characteristics, although sitting on it is not as comfortable as on elastic foam rubber. If possible, take a sofa with an independent spring block.

Advantages : durable, reliable, time-tested mechanism. Suitable for frequent use and organizing a sleeping area. The “Book” sofa often contains a section for bed linen inside the body.

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.

Advantages and disadvantages of the Pantograph sofa

The Pantograph sofa has a number of significant advantages. First of all, it is an affordable price and chic modern design. The qualitative advantages of the model are:

Simplicity of the mechanism and components of the product;
Rare breakdowns and operational defects;
No risk of damage to the floor covering during the transformation process;
Availability of additional storage space;
Possibility of placing the product close to the wall;
Ideally flat sleeping area.

Particular attention should be paid to the luxurious mattress of the “Pantograph” sofa. Sleeping on it every day is not only convenient, but also useful. Most often, the base contains an orthopedic frame or an independent spring block. Good support for the spine and proper distribution of the load during sleep contribute to better sleep and a person’s emotional state.

The Pantograph sofa has no disadvantages. Some people cite the relatively high cost as a disadvantage. However, the list of benefits compensates for the costs and as a result, you still have a comfortable modern sofa in use that really makes life easier.

Sofa transformation mechanism Click-Klak (Click-Klyak, “Tango”)

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 Click-Clack mechanism.

The Tango mechanism has similar properties, and in addition there is the name Click-Klyak. I'm not sure if this is an error, maybe both options are valid. “Click-clack (clack).” In what follows I will call all these mechanisms click-clack.

Click-clack in its principle of operation is similar to the book mechanism already described above.

The main difference from the “Book” is the ability of Klik-Klak to take intermediate positions of the back of the sofa when unfolding.

The backrest, in addition to full horizontal folding, can be in a reclining or half-sitting position. This opportunity creates additional convenience for relaxation.

Click-Klak sofas have a section for storing beds.

Advantages: reliable, durable mechanism, the mechanism creates additional comfort as it allows you to fix the back of the sofa in several positions, Click-Klak 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

What sofas are best for small apartments?

In a one-room apartment or small room there will always be a problem with excess space, so a folding sofa is increasingly being bought for such situations: during the day - a cozy place to relax, at night - a bed. Each sofa folding system has its own “counter” of how many times it can withstand frequent loads. For this reason, you should choose a mechanism for the sofa that is not only convenient to use, but can also be used frequently. Some of the most acceptable transformation methods for frequent use are Eurobook, accordion, click-clack, book, dolphin.

Eurobook sofa with removable pillows

Click-clack

A sofa with a click-clack mechanism works in the same way as a book, but is an improved version of it. If you unfold the sofa to the first click, the back of the sofa will recline halfway. This layout is convenient: in this position you can relax reclining, for example, watch movies. To unfold the sofa completely, you need to lift the base until two clicks are heard.

Modern sofa in variegated colors with a click-clack transformation mechanism

Sofa with Accordion mechanism

The accordion is perhaps the most versatile model. It unfolds according to the “accordion” principle by extending the seat, which drags behind it and unfolds the backrest folded in half.

The result is a spacious sleeping area. Whereas when folded it is very compact. But such an advantage also results in a significant disadvantage: a lot of space is needed for an unfolded sofa, which will be fatal for a small room. In addition, such a mechanism requires considerable effort.

Corner sofas with pantograph mechanism

Corner models are well suited for small rooms or those that do not have too much free space. Such structures can be easily placed against the walls in the corner of the room. There is a lot of space inside, so you can store clothes and household items there. In addition, a whole family can fit on the surface of the corner sofa, so there will be no big problems during family TV viewing. Such sofas are also equipped with a pantograph mechanism.

The pantograph mechanism has many advantages. It is easy to unfold, and also quite durable and not expensive.

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Video of the Pantograph mechanism in operation

Unfortunately, it is not possible to embed the video directly into the article. Therefore, you can watch it on my website using this link https://pro-mebel-textile.ru/video/video-pro-mebel/131-video-mekhanizmy-transformatsii-divanov-podrobno-o-kazhdom

Finally, a fun video about how people get rid of old sofas

Thank you for your attention, I hope it was clear and useful.

Details about all the mechanisms for transforming sofas
read on my website https://pro-mebel-textile.ru/pro-myagkuyu-mebel/vse-pro-divany/110-mekhanizmy-transformatsii-divanov-dostoinstva-i-nedostatki

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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 can consist of two blocks that fold out independently of each other,
in the corner model, only part of the structure is folded out, complementing the fixed parts to create a full-fledged berth,
A U-shaped sofa is a type of corner sofa, consisting of three parts, one or two of which are movable.

Types of pantograph

Classification of furniture elevators is carried out according to three criteria: size, material and principle of operation. If everything is clear with the size and material, then you should pay closer attention to the principle of operation. So, according to the principle of operation, furniture elevators are:

electrical;

mechanical.
If we talk about convenience, then the electric pantograph is simpler and easier to use. But mechanical models are still more popular due to their affordable price. An electric furniture elevator costs several times more and is much more difficult to install than a mechanical one. But people with good incomes are not afraid of such shortcomings of the electric model.

With your own hands

Of course, making a pantograph with your own hands is not easy, especially when it comes to mechanisms in electric trains or for furniture. But if you remember the drawing device, it may give you some ideas.

A homemade pantograph will not be as high quality as the one sold in stores. But you can try, the main thing is to choose a suitable scheme for yourself, decide on the purpose of the tool and its details.

For example, to make a simple pantograph from four ruler levers, you need to acquire the following elements:

large ruler;
a small ruler;
boss;
sleeve;
a pair of fixing and support axes, as well as the middle and copier axis;
pin-clamp.

Again, depending on the required design, you will need to calculate the number of parts and their sizes. Afterwards it will be enough to assemble everything into a single structure.

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.

Transformation mechanism for the sofa “Elf”

This mechanism is a subtype of Click-Clack. It features fold-out armrests

How the mechanism works: The mechanism unfolds simply. The armrests are moved to the sides, the backrest leans back and a sleeping place is formed.

“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.

Advantages and disadvantages of the design

The pantograph sofa, being a modern model, was designed taking into account errors in other models and has a number of advantages:

the mechanism is designed for daily use, easily transforms into the “bed” position and back,
The design of the sofa is durable and reliable. The sleeping place rests on the frame of the sofa and an additional bar (or legs) and can withstand a total weight of 240 kg, which distinguishes the Pantograph from other models, for example, French and American folding beds,
Unlike a number of models, the “Pantograph” has a spacious drawer for storing bed linen and blankets. That is, you don’t have to look for additional space for bedding,
Outwardly similar to the Eurobook, the pantograph sofa does not have roll-out rollers that can scratch the floor covering. The transformation mechanism also allows you to place the sofa on high-pile carpets,
the sofa can be moved to the wall, it moves forward and does not require a gap with other furniture,
the armrests of the sofa are not involved in the transformation. Sometimes manufacturers line them with wood, creating an original design. Or they increase the functionality of the model by making bedside tables with drawers or shelves instead of armrests.

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

How to choose

Most stores offer mechanical models, prices for which start at 2,000 rubles. Depends on the material, load capacity, type of lifting mechanism and manufacturer.

Prices for electric elevators are tens of times higher, even for models with similar characteristics.

What to look for when choosing:

Material. Steel parts are durable, aluminum parts last less. The plastic must be highly durable.
Load capacity.
Focus on the average weight of clothing. If it exceeds the load-carrying capacity of the device, then failure in a short time is inevitable. It is better to purchase models with a load capacity of 12, 15, 18 kg, with the exception of small sections of the cabinet.
Type of lifting mechanism. It is better to choose pantographs with gas and hydraulic lifting mechanisms. These lifts have a soft ride and will last longer than spring mechanisms.
Manufacturer. Models from Chinese manufacturers are cheaper, but they creak more often, do not work stably, and are poorly fixed at the lower level. According to testing results, the highest quality ones are from the following manufacturers: SERVETTO, VIBO, AMBOS.
Control type. In this matter, they focus on the budget. Of course, electrical devices are more convenient than mechanical ones.
Bar sizes. The dimensions of the rod are indicated on each model. When choosing, they are guided by the width of the cabinet section where the pantograph will be mounted. The bar should be positioned freely between the walls and not touch the doors while moving. The removal of the rod outside the cabinet is also taken into account. This is important when space is limited.

You can learn about the actual service life and problems of a particular model from consumer reviews. Pay attention to the warranty period from the manufacturer. The larger it is, the better the quality of the device.

What is a pantograph mechanism in sofas: distinctive features of the mechanism