Types of sofa mechanisms
Various mechanisms are installed inside the furniture. In some models, the additional part rolls out from under the seat, in others the backrest is moved to a horizontal position.
There are several mechanisms for laying out sofas.
But regardless of the design of the structure, you will need the same set of tools to repair it:
- wrenches to disassemble the body;
- screwdrivers, screwdriver to remove some parts;
- machine oil or silicone grease for processing the mechanism;
- staples and stapler;
- drill with a set of drills.
Let's take a closer look at popular sofa mechanisms.
Click-clack
A type of “book”. The base is a metal frame. Some models are equipped with an armrest adjustment mechanism.
The most popular sofas with a book mechanism.
The sofa can be installed in 3 different positions: sitting, reclining and lying down. The armrests are suitable for use as pillows.
The most modern type for serial models of upholstered furniture.
Often “click-clack” sofas are equipped with built-in drawers for storing things. The mechanism requires regular lubrication of rivets and rubbing elements.
Meralax
The mechanism works on the “French clamshell” principle. Can take three positions. The sleeping area can be decorated with slats or metal mesh.
The popularity of the Meralax mechanism is associated with its simplicity and low cost of execution.
Dolphin
It is based on a mechanism consisting of rollers and guides. The additional part is located under the seat and extends when you pull on a loop. One of the most popular and simple types of folding sofas.
Dolphin sofas are quite popular in our market.
In budget models, the frame is made of low quality metal, which can cause the mechanism to fail.
Accordion
One of the most popular mechanisms in folding sofas. The furniture can be taken in three positions, one part always remains motionless. The layout positions are fixed with locks.
Unfolding and fixing occurs due to movable axes and locks.
The mechanism is often used in modern models.
How to repair sofa mechanisms
If the furniture has become difficult to unfold, and repair of the sofa frame is not required, then the reason lies in the breakdown of the mechanism.
Sofa mechanisms often break down.
The most common problems:
- sagging lamellas or mesh;
- the springs have failed;
- the rivets have loosened;
- the rollers are broken or need lubrication.
If the frame is loose, it needs to be strengthened: metal systems are repaired by welding, and in order to repair wooden elements, they need to be fastened with new bolts or partially replaced.
There are many reasons why sofas break down.
When the first signs of breakdown appear (the sofa creaks, it is more difficult to unfold), it is necessary to lubricate the mechanisms with machine oil or silicone grease. To do this, remove the armrests and disassemble the main part to gain access to the internal contents.
Periodically it is necessary to lubricate all moving or rubbing parts. You can use sewing machine oil, technical petroleum jelly or liquid machine oil. WD-40 is not suitable for this operation. Owners of book sofas often encounter breakdowns. This model is considered outdated, and finding components is problematic.
Mechanisms on chipboard furniture also need to be cleaned periodically.
In order for the mechanism to return to normal and the furniture to begin unfolding normally, you need to:
- disassemble the sofa;
- clean the guides from debris and lubricate them with oil;
- remove the tension from the fixing spring;
- lubricate the axle;
- replace the roller.
The same principle is used to repair an “accordion” sofa. Under no circumstances should you put pressure on furniture if it has become jammed. Otherwise, the mechanism will completely break down and repairing the sofa-book at home will not help solve the problem.
The mechanism can be made of different materials.
If a sofa with a click-clack mechanism fails, you need to adjust all the moving parts of the mechanism. In extreme cases, you will have to remove the upholstery, filling and change the entire mechanism.
Assembly and preparation for use
Assembling an accordion-type sofa yourself is not at all difficult. Moreover, many who are interested in making their own products note that making such a sofa is as easy as shelling pears compared to other models. In order to construct such a model, you need to stock up on a metal frame, chipboard panels or boards, upholstery and filling material, as well as fasteners. As for assembling a purchased sofa, there is nothing complicated here either.
Mechanism transformation
Step-by-step work that allows you to easily assemble a sofa accordion
Along with the furniture parts, there is also an instruction manual, following the step-by-step instructions in which you can assemble this sofa model very quickly. Of course, assembly variations may differ slightly depending on the subtype of sofa, but still, in general terms, the technology remains the same.
Advice! Assembling any furniture alone is not easy. So it’s better to invite an assistant to assemble the accordion.
Straight accordion sofa
In general, the entire assembly process can be divided into two stages:
- frame design;
- assembly of sleeping elements.
Let's take a step-by-step look at the process of assembling one of the accordion sofa models.
Step 1. As a rule, a sofa of this type is delivered from the store partially disassembled. That is, armrests, a mattress, as well as the frame structure itself with the assembled transformation mechanism will be delivered separately. The first thing you need to do is unpack the sofa and free it from packaging elements.
Usually such sofas are delivered partially disassembled
Step 2. Next, you need to take the frame part and unfold it, spreading it apart until it is completely unfolded.
The frame part expands
Step 3. Then you need to lay the mattress on the surface of the frame. It is equipped with special Velcro strips that will help securely secure it to the frame part.
The mattress is being laid
Special Velcro tapes are available
Step 4. Use Velcro strips to secure the mattress to the frame. To do this, it is imperative to secure it to the base of the frame in the places where the mattress is folded, and also fix the mattress on the edges of the frame. You need to use all the Velcro - this is the only way to achieve reliable fixation of the soft part.
Fixing the mattress on the frame
Fixation process
It is important to properly fix the soft part
Step 5. Now you need to start installing the armrests. For this process, it is necessary to remove the fixing and adjusting elements of the armrests from the main frame on the sides, and also remove the supplied fittings from the packaging. You will also need a key for 10.
The fixing and adjusting elements of the armrests are removed from the main frame
Accessories included
Step 6. It is necessary to install and secure the holders on the armrests of the sofa in specially designated places.
Attaching the holders
Step 7. When all the holders are fixed on the armrests, you need to insert them into the special transformation grooves.
Next, the armrests are inserted
They need to be inserted into special grooves for transformation
Step 8: The armrests also have plastic connectors. They need to be put on the back of the sofa. They will help further tighten the armrests towards each other.
Installing a sofa back
Step 9. Now you need to move the sofa to such a position that you can reach with your hand the adjustment knob located between the armrest and the bed.
You need to get to the adjustment knob
Step 10. Next, the lamb needs to be tightened until it stops. The sofa is completely assembled, all that remains is to check its transformation capabilities and, if all is well, place it in the chosen place in the apartment.
The lamb is tightened until it stops
Let's consider a more complicated version of the assembly, where it is also necessary to additionally assemble the transformation mechanism.
Step 1. In this case, you first need to attach special brackets to the side armrests. Fixation is done using bolts, screws and washers.
Fixing the brackets on the armrest
Bolts are used for fixation
Step 2. Now you can assemble the frame. It is required to install small and large supports, fixing them with screws and nuts, and also install special flags on the transformation mechanism.
Assembling the sofa frame
Step 3. After this, you need to install the springs on the mechanism support, and then the plugs on the rods.
Installing the spring and plug
Step 4. After this, when the main part of the sofa is assembled, you can install the armrests by screwing them to the base of the sofa using nuts.
Armrests are installed
Step 5. All that remains is to install the back of the sofa and that’s it, the product can be used. The main thing is to test it before use and make sure that the folding mechanism functions correctly.
At the end the back of the sofa is installed
Video – Assembling an accordion sofa (3 parts)
After reading the material, you can understand that you can easily assemble and, if necessary, disassemble the accordion sofa, and it will be possible to do it yourself, without involving the help of professional furniture assemblers. This service is not free everywhere, and self-assembly will save the family budget from unnecessary expenses . The main thing is to act carefully, slowly and strictly according to the instructions.
How to replace mechanisms
To repair the sofa mechanism at home and replace parts, first of all, you need to disassemble the furniture. Usually they start with the armrests.
The mechanism is so simple that even a child can handle it.
Important! Place all fasteners and bolts in separate organizer cells or zip bags.
After access to the mechanism is opened, you need to carefully remove the damaged elements or the entire system and replace them with identical parts. It is prohibited to insert parts of another into one mechanism: at best it will be useless.
The mechanism rarely breaks due to its simple design.
After repair, you need to check the operation of the folding mechanism, lubricate the parts and assemble the sofa.
Important! You cannot install new parts with old fittings into existing holes. It is necessary to drill others, a few cm further than the existing ones. It is advisable to cover old holes with epoxy resin or other material.
A way to quickly unfold a sofa.
Chair on a metal frame
Chairs on a metal frame are light, comfortable and reliable. The service life of such products is very long, assembly is simple and convenient. The use of a metal frame allows you to integrate a convenient roll-out linen drawer, which fully extends, making it easier to access things and when cleaning.
Used in the manufacture of models: “Vancouver”, “Manhattan”, “Nice”, “Orlando”, “Picasso”, “Houston”, “Monaco”
- Reliable durable metal frame
- Easy replacement of covers
- High maintainability
- Linen drawer extends completely
- Convenient quick assembly on mounts
How to extend the life of a sofa mechanism
To ensure that furniture lasts longer and does not break, you must follow the operating instructions.
Sometimes it is enough to simply lubricate the parts of the mechanism.
For all types of sofas they are common:
- do not make sudden movements when unfolding furniture; due to careless handling, parts of the mechanism may shift;
- periodically lubricate moving elements;
- do not place furniture with retractable mechanisms on a high-pile carpet, so as not to create obstacles for rolling out;
- do not expose furniture to excessive mechanical stress;
- transport only in disassembled form;
- play in the frame should not be allowed to form, as it leads to breakage of the rollers and wooden frame, and the friction that is created harms the upholstery;
- Do not expose it to moisture, make sure that water does not get into the mechanism.
When purchasing furniture for regular use, it is better not to save money. For the manufacture of the most budget models, lower quality materials are used, which quickly fail.
Due to the absence of complicated mechanisms, the furniture unfolds easily.
Advice. In case of complex breakdowns, it is better to contact a specialist. A home handyman with no experience may completely break a sofa when trying to fix a major breakdown.
How to fold out an accordion sofa
The accordion sofa bed features a simple mechanism that works on the principle of an accordion. There is no need to use force to unfold it, and even a 10-year-old child can cope with this task. To arrange furniture you need to follow three simple steps:
- Raise the seat until a characteristic click is heard.
- Pull the mattress towards you until it is completely straight.
- Place the mattress on the legs.
When unfolding this sofa, there is no need to move it away from the wall, which greatly simplifies the operation process.
Features of general sofa repair
In different sofa designs, the same elements may have different purposes, so it is impossible to install rollers that guide from one piece of furniture to another. The part may not withstand a load not intended for it and may break.
The mechanism can be pulled out like a clamshell.
The most difficult thing to restore is furniture made from chipboard. this material crumbles and does not withstand several drillings. Therefore, it is better to purchase sofas with a wooden frame made of MDF or plywood. They are much stronger, easy to use, and require repairs less often.
The mechanism of the sofa is quite sensitive to human movements.
It is useless to straighten bent metal support elements. Soon the material will become unusable again. Therefore, it is better to replace the damaged area with a new part.
For all types of repairs, call a partner. This will make your work easier and safer.
Before applying lubricant, surfaces must be cleaned of dust and dirt. Fasteners must not be overtightened. To disassemble furniture and tighten elements, you need to use new or high-quality hexagons.
Monitor the condition of the pallet. This part of the frame is load-bearing and experiences high loads.
Due to the “licked” edges, the work will be seriously slowed down. You can remove rust from metal elements using WD-40.
Carefully unfold the sofa.
It is worth installing washers on the bolts and axles. Don't neglect installing washers on bolts and axles. If the bolt cannot be unscrewed, there is no need to try to loosen it or pull it out. Better to cut it down.
Lubricant is applied only to cleaned surfaces.
The most important part of the frame - the pallet - is a load-bearing element; the main load falls on it. His condition must be monitored.
It is better to carry out furniture repairs with a partner.
Don't try to replace one mechanism with a completely different one.
How to choose the best sofa
Choosing furniture is quite an important step. In order not to waste money, you need to take into account at least two points.
Product dimensions
They can be very different. The main determining factor in the choice here will be the area and shape of the room where you plan to install the furniture. It can be placed close to the wall, which is usually the case in small rooms, or placed closer to the center, thereby zoning the space. It is important to remember that the distance from the wall to the unfolded mattress should not be less than half a meter.
The accordion sofa mechanism, the design of which is quite simple, allows the use of various types of filling. Let's look at the most popular options:
- Polyurethane foam. Dense elastic filler of varying hardness. Easily takes the shape of the body, after which it restores its previous configuration. It is very comfortable to sit on, but can be hard to sleep on.
- Dependent spring system. The top is covered with a thick coating and a sheet of foam rubber. Not the best option since the elements are connected to each other. This quickly leads to subsidence of the surface; the sharp parts of the springs may extend beyond the upholstery if broken.
- Block of independent springs. Each of the elements is in an individual cover, which ensures its durability and maximum comfort for the person lying on such a mattress. The most convenient option for sleeping.
In some models, the filling can be combined, but this is quite rare.
The accordion sofa is a practical and convenient solution for a wide variety of rooms. Depending on the model, it will fit well into both a spacious and a small room. It is only important to choose the right filling. Furniture with an orthopedic mattress is good for daily use; it will become a complete replacement for a bed.
