Accordion mechanism for a sofa, operating principle, characteristics

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A folding sofa is an important attribute of any apartment. Consumers value this piece of furniture for its ability to quickly transform from a compact seat to a large, comfortable bed. One of the transformation options is an accordion mechanism for a sofa, consisting of three movable panels. It's very easy to unfold - just pull the bottom of the seat and it turns into a double bed.

Step-by-step instruction

Expert opinion

Gusev Roman Tarasovich

Interior design of residential and public premises. 10 years of experience in the design field.

How to assemble an accordion sofa in the morning and unfold it in the evening? This process can be confusing, but after repeating the procedure a couple of times, you will easily be able to do it every day.

When you see an accordion sofa, how it folds out is the first question that arises in the minds of many. Let's start with the folding:

Grasp the seat from below with both hands and lift it until the safety mechanism clicks.
Pull the system towards you while simultaneously stepping back. The backrest will unfold, the blocks will become a single, flat surface.

How to fold the accordion sofa back:

Grasp the bottom edge of the seat, push it in or roll it towards the backrest so that the transformation mechanism folds into its original position.
Raise the seat until you hear a characteristic click so that the safety lock latches and the sofa does not move away on its own.

Important! Learn how to fold the structure correctly to avoid operational problems.

It will be difficult to lift and drag a wide sofa, so when purchasing, pay attention to the presence of wheels on the seat. Then it will be enough to snap off the first module, place it on the floor, and roll it out until it is fully laid out.

The photo shows a diagram of the transformation of the sofa mechanism

Important! Low-quality hard wheels scratch parquet and laminate flooring - replace them with silicone or rubberized analogues so as not to spoil the floor covering every time you unfold the sofa. It is also better to remove carpets and rugs in the path of the folding accordion.

If the mechanism is working properly, disassembling and assembling the accordion sofa should not cause difficulties. Any jams or difficulties indicate improper assembly or problems in the design. Most often they suffer:

Wheels. Have you noticed that over time the device has become difficult to drive? Check, change the small wheels, this should help.
Slat accessories. The batten fasteners do not affect the ability to pull out the sofa, but they cause inconvenience during sleep. Replacing them is easy, just buy the required quantity at a furniture store and replace the damaged ones.
Frame hinges. They are the most mobile element. A quick tightening of the bolts and a quick lube (repeat every 6-12 months) is often enough to make the structure usable again. A broken loop that no longer works will have to be purchased and replaced completely.
Frame. Poor-quality welds and the use of low-grade material lead to bends, cracks, and other damage. The element can be welded or a new one can be ordered.

Step-by-step instructions for assembling the product

Before starting work, the mechanism support is placed on the frame of the sofa. Convenient to assemble with two people. The frame base consists of chipboard panels and plywood. It is recommended to assemble the structure, taking into account the fact that it is covered with textiles, soft filling, and a sheet of foam rubber. Legs are installed on the bottom side of the frame base. The bottom should be lower than the surface of the second part of the product. Instructions for assembling the sofa for users:

Align the holes of the mechanism support and the rear part of the frame. A bolt is inserted from the outside, and a nut is secured from the inside. Place the spring on the rod and secure it with tendrils to the mechanism support and the seat frame.
Do the same with the second side of the mechanism.
The mechanism is unfolded. A mattress is placed on top of it. The surface of the product on which the Velcro is located is installed on the seat frame, where there are also Velcro.
The mattress is laid in such a way that the sticky elements are connected. The distance between it and the plywood should be the same on both sides.
Then the remaining Velcro is attached around the perimeter of the mechanism.
Take out the upholstery fabric and lay it so that the Velcro on the cover coincides with the slots on the edge of the mattress. Insert the adhesive strips into the slots down under the mattress.
Spread the resulting sofa cover over the entire mattress.
Velcro connects the cover and the mattress.
Remove the washers and nuts from the bolts and insert them into the mechanism supports. Insert washers from the inside and tighten with nuts. After the mattress is secured, proceed to installing the armrests.
Align the mounting holes of the armrest with the mounting holes of the transformation mechanism bracket. The holders are secured and inserted into special grooves.
After this, the back of the sofa is put on plastic connecting elements that tighten the armrests to each other.
Assembly is complete. The sofa is placed in a position where you can reach the lamb and tighten it until it stops.

It’s not difficult to figure out how to assemble a sofa, but it will still be difficult to work alone, so it’s worth inviting an assistant.

The width of the sleeping area of the sofa when unfolded is from 700 to 1800 mm. The orthopedic effect of the mattress is achieved through the use of the following types of wooden base in the structure: oak, beech. The “accordion” sofa is durable and lasts a long time, since the backs of the product do not touch each other. A practical model will be one that is assembled from high-quality materials and fittings: frame, hinges, retaining elements and wheels. The armor, made from good raw materials, breaks extremely rarely; you can fold and unfold the sofa every day

Ways to get rid of bedbugs in the sofa, how to choose the best remedy

Tips to reduce the likelihood of squeaking in the future:

assemble the sofa;
Using multifunctional silicone grease and a soft cloth, lubricate the fastening points;
process the ends of the central spring;
lubricate the surface of the bumpers and the moving joints of the hinges;
Spray the surface of the hook with oil following the movement of the spring, the rivet on which the lock pawl rotates. Don't forget about the installation locations for all four legs.

How to properly clean a leather sofa at home

The sofa assembly diagram is usually kept by users. Once every 6 months, it is advisable to carry out maintenance of upholstered furniture with an “accordion” transformation element. If squeaking occurs, it is necessary to check the damaged areas by pressing on the mattress, remove the upholstery fabric and lubricate the fastening parts. It is necessary to process the same areas as when assembling the sofa, and put the furniture back. Taking care of the product and following the operating rules will extend the service life of the structure.

Expand the frame

Place a mattress on top of it

Special Velcro strips are provided for fixation.

Secure the mattress to the frame with them

Repeat steps around the entire perimeter of the sofa

Check the reliability of fixation

Remove the fixing and adjusting elements of the armrests from the frame

Secure the holders

Insert armrests into them

Make sure that they fit into special grooves for transformation

Feel the adjusting knob with your hand

Tighten it all the way

Mount the backrest

Assembled sofa

Assembly video

The process of assembling an accordion sofa according to the instructions is not always clear. If you received your purchase in disassembled form and now need to assemble a single whole from individual parts, watch the video.

We gave a detailed description, talked about the design features, showed how to assemble an accordion sofa, and an assembly diagram. We hope you can now choose your ideal option!

A folding sofa is a practical element of furnishings in a city apartment or a private home. Its value to consumers lies in its ability to quickly transform from a comfortable seat to a spacious bed. Among the popular options for folding furniture is an accordion sofa, consisting of three movable sections.

Saving space is a pressing issue for residents of studio apartments and small-sized housing, in which the living room is assigned the role of an additional or main bedroom. A folding sofa with an accordion mechanism will help to equip such a room functionally and comfortably.

Features of the accordion sofa mechanism

The product unfolds according to the accordion principle due to the design features and the presence of a three-section roll-out mechanism:

The individual sections are connected using locking loops with secure fastening to the frame.

The backrest consists of two sections - when folded, it becomes double.

The third part of the mechanism is intended for sitting.

“Accordion” is a simple and convenient mechanism for daily use. By simulating the stretching movement of an accordion, unfolding is carried out in two simple steps:

The seat rises slightly until a characteristic click is heard, which indicates that the safety mechanism is blocked - the structure is no longer held in place by anything.

By applying a little effort, the seat pulls towards itself. Sections of the sofa are laid in a horizontal plane, forming a sleeping place.

To fold the sofa back, repeat the steps in reverse order. First, you should roll the seat into place, lifting the sections that form the backrest up. The lower part is raised slightly until a characteristic click is heard - after the fuse has tripped, the product can be used. If there are no malfunctions, the process occurs easily and quickly.

How to fold an accordion sofa

To fold the sofa, you also do not need to make significant efforts. To do this, follow simple steps:

It is necessary to slightly raise the outer part of the mattress.
Apply a little pressure on the support and push the structure towards the body.
The mattress moves until it clicks.

When unfolded, the accordion sofa provides a flat sleeping place, ensuring the correct position of the body during sleep. Thanks to this, it is pleasant to sleep on it, and in the morning people feel refreshed and well-rested.

Video: How to unfold and fold an accordion sofa

Types of accordion sofas

When folded, the accordion sofa is a compact and neat piece of furniture that does not take up much space. The design of the transforming mechanism allows manufacturers to produce furniture of various sizes - from single folding chairs to spacious sofas with a double bed.

Expert opinion

Gusev Roman Tarasovich

Interior design of residential and public premises. 10 years of experience in the design field.

Recommendations for purchasing

The accordion transformation mechanism is considered one of the most durable. However, this will be true for a quality product. A good sofa can be easily transformed without much effort. When purchasing, you should pay attention to the frame elements. They should not have any external defects or rust. Wooden elements must be well dried and free from knots and irregularities.

The material of a sofa for daily sleep should be characterized by high wear resistance. Thin fabric is not suitable in this case. Additional elements increase the cost of furniture. Therefore, they need to be selected only taking into account existing needs.

To properly place a sofa in a room, before purchasing, you should find out the dimensions of the furniture when unfolded. Next, use newspaper to line the area it occupies. If the sofa does not come into contact with objects in the room, this is a suitable option in terms of dimensions.

Having considered the “accordion” transformation mechanism, you can choose a good sofa. It is suitable for daily sleep and will not take up much space in the room. Simplicity of layout, reliability and compactness when folded make this mechanism in demand.

Features of choice

Upholstered furniture equipped with an accordion mechanism is a durable product. But this parameter is applicable only to high-quality structures. When making a choice in favor of such a sofa, you need to check:

No external defects or visible defects.

The folding mechanism is quiet and smooth.

Speed and quality of upholstery restoration after sitting on the sofa: the soft filler and outer fabric should quickly return to their original position, without bubbles or pits on the surface.

An accordion sofa for daily use requires high-quality, wear-resistant construction materials. Optimal combination:

Frame made of steel or stainless steel of high strength.

Well-dried wood for the base.

Mattress on an independent spring block filled with polyurethane foam.

A folding sofa is an important attribute of any apartment. Consumers value this piece of furniture for its ability to quickly transform from a compact seat to a large, comfortable bed.

One of the transformation options is an accordion mechanism for a sofa, consisting of three movable panels. It's very easy to unfold - just pull the bottom of the seat and it turns into a double bed.

What is

Before choosing a sofa design, it is important to clearly understand what it is, what its features are, its pros and cons. Thanks to the accordion mechanism for the sofa, this piece of furniture takes up minimal space in the room.

The principle of transformation resembles the layout of the bellows of an accordion. The soft part of the sofa consists of three elements connected to each other: two of them form the back, and the third forms the seat.

The accordion mechanism unfolds by simply lifting and pulling all the elements forward. Some sofa models have a bed length of up to 2 m, which is important for tall people.

To assemble the structure, you should perform the reverse action and put all the elements together moving away from you. The seat is put in place, and the backrest folds and rises. This layout mechanism is very easy to use; even a child can handle it.

The frame of the accordion layout is a steel or wooden profile. The bed has orthopedic properties, as it is formed from wooden slats inserted into a frame, or from a metal mesh.

The frame of each of the three elements is connected by a reliable locking mechanism. Thanks to this structure, the sofa becomes durable and functional.

There are models on sale equipped with a convenient moving laundry drawer, which is located under the seat. You can also find designs with built-in shelves or complemented by a compact table.

Accordion sofa design

The design of the accordion is cumbersome in itself. This means that it will be difficult to take it out right away (and there is also a risk of damaging the unassembled product during transportation).

What does it consist of

This sofa consists of a frame with three sections connected together. The frame is usually made of metal, with wood slats used inside. By extending the seat, the back of the sofa lowers - this creates a straight base.

Front and mattress

The front part contains 4 wheel supports, the folded backrest rests on a fixed headboard. The mattress has three sections, which, when the structure is laid out in “sleeping mode,” form a single space.

We are talking about disassembly as a mandatory stage of the transportation process, for which movers are usually searched. In the future, you will have to wrap the disassembled elements of the sofa separately in film. The moving elements of the frame are secured with tape, and everything on the outside should be wrapped in corrugated cardboard.

Advantages and disadvantages

When choosing an accordion sofa, it is important to consider its advantages and disadvantages. Among the advantages are the following:

ease of operation;
can be equipped with a box for linen;
reliability of design;
compact dimensions when folded;
it is possible to place it near the wall;
a large selection of different models for every taste: with an orthopedic mattress, with removable covers, equipped with shelves;
the possibility of rational use of free space in the room.

Accordion sofas are not without their disadvantages:

assembly requires effort;
the folded back looks too thick;
takes up a lot of space when disassembled;
expensive mechanism;
If the inner lever is damaged, the sofa will not fold.

A wide variety of models will allow you to find a sofa with an accordion mechanism that suits any home interior. When choosing such furniture, you should immediately think about where it is best to place it so that you can completely expand the structure. There should be no objects nearby that could interfere with the opening of the mechanism.

Sofas with accordion mechanism

Folding furniture with transformation mechanisms is practical and functional. When assembled, it does not take up much space, maintaining free space and comfort in the room. There are many options for transformation mechanisms, but among this variety, the “accordion” stands out.

Sofas with the accordion system are great for apartments with a small area, allowing you to quickly organize a place to sleep or relax. The assembly mechanism is very simple, it consists of three elements - a seat and two parts of the back. To disassemble the bed, you need to pull the seat towards you, unfolding the berth. The design resembles a musical instrument, which gives the mechanism the name “accordion”. The advantage of this option is a flat, large sleeping area without kinks or height differences. An additional compartment for linen can be placed under the seat; the base is usually made in the form of an orthopedic lattice.

Design features of the “accordion” transformation system

Folding sofas with an accordion mechanism are optimally suited for daily use, due to the following design features:

the system is quickly transformed, no special effort is required;
the mechanism is simple and reliable, subject to inexpensive repair if necessary;
the system can be used for linear and corner sofas; a laundry compartment can be placed under the seat;
The design is durable and can withstand frequent transformation.

Accordion sofas are compact; when assembled they take up little space, but when disassembled they form a fairly large bed. During transformation, the furniture does not move away from the wall; only free space in front of the sofas is required to extend the seat. The furniture is equipped with various types of armrests; for very small rooms you can buy models without armrests, which visually expands the area of the room and makes the environment more comfortable. When assembled, the backrest is high and has a comfortable slope.

The berth is formed by three elements - a seat and two parts of the backrest. Length is usually in the range of 180-200, width can reach 160 cm. The base is assembled from wood or in the form of a metal frame with a lamella lattice. The second option is preferable for daily use of the sofa as a sleeping place. The filler can be spring or springless, but when assembled, a seamless, even and elastic place is formed.

Advantages of accordion folding sofas

A folding sofa “accordion” for daily sleep compares favorably with other options with the following advantages:

compact dimensions when assembled;
a wide selection of models for the width and length of the bed;
durability of the structure (mechanism elements do not interact with each other during disassembly);
maintainability of the mechanism;
the sleeping place is wide and high;
choice of furniture configuration – linear, angular, U-shaped;
you can install a compartment for bedding;
Regular high loads on the sleeping place are allowed.

Manufacturing materials

Expert opinion

Gusev Roman Tarasovich

Interior design of residential and public premises. 10 years of experience in the design field.

To ensure that the sofa can withstand regular unfolding and folding, the mechanism with the accordion type of transformation is made of durable materials. The frame is made of steel profile, thin pipe or solid wood.

A sofa with metal frames can be disassembled if necessary, which increases its convenience when moving. The slats are made from dried wood or PVC.

Most often, birch or pine is used for this.

Spring or polyurethane foam blocks are used as soft elements in accordion sofas. No additional sleeping mattress is required.

The lining is made of wear-resistant fabrics with a strength class of fifth and higher. This characteristic is especially important for structures on which you are supposed to sleep every day.

If you have pets, you should choose upholstery made of anti-vandal fabric (flock, microfiber, scotchguard, microvelor).

When choosing a sofa, it is important to pay attention to the thickness and type of mattress. The height ranges from 6 to 13 cm. The mattress is attached to the frame using the following devices:

laces;
Velcro;
ties.

The soft part of the folding structure is of two types:

Polyurethane foam elements - they are able to take the shape of the human body. After the load stops, the surface quickly returns to its original appearance. This ability of the material prevents the formation of dents. Such blocks differ in hardness in different models, so when choosing a sofa you should check the level of its softness. Polyurethane foam has good moisture absorption and environmental friendliness.
Spring blocks - have two varieties: solid and independent. The first option is a single polyurethane foam sheet into which springs are sewn. There are also hard mattresses with additional reinforcement due to vertical inserts made of polyurethane foam. The second option involves the use of springs, which are placed in separate capsules made of breathable dense fabric.

Hard mattresses are considered the most beneficial for the spine. They are able to support the back in a natural position and have a beneficial effect on the quality of sleep. A sofa with an orthopedic berth is ideal for daily use.

Its comfortable mattress allows you to get a great night's sleep and eliminates body pain in the morning due to poor positioning.

Covers that protect the structure from contamination can be removable or sewn in. Coverings for sofas are made from genuine leather, artificial leather, tapestry, flock, chenille and other modern materials. The structures are equipped with an ATC or BZ type locking mechanism.

If you purchase a model with removable covers, it will be easier to care for it. Soiled upholstery can be washed or dry cleaned. If necessary, it can be easily replaced with a new coating.

In small apartments it is quite difficult to organize a place for comfortable rest or sleep. It is for this reason that folding furniture has gained great popularity among consumers.

One of the most common options is the accordion mechanism for a sofa, which provides ease of use due to quick transformation. This system has its own nuances that should be considered before purchasing.

Features of the mechanism
Advantages and disadvantages
Types of sofas
What to do if the sofa does not fold out
Video

Sofa materials

Sleeping sofas must be strong and durable. For this purpose, the frame is made of thick metal profiles. All three parts are connected to each other using special locking loops.

The wood must be well dried. Pine and birch are best suited for these purposes. Poorly dried material settles over time, and the sofa begins to creak. Therefore, special attention should be paid to the quality of wood.

The soft parts of the sofa are filled with elastic or spring blocks. Therefore, a mattress is not required for such furniture. Please note that if you have a removable cover, it will be easier to care for the sofa.

The covering material must be made of dense fabric. Its wear resistance class is at least 5. This must be taken into account for those sofas on which you are supposed to sleep every day. If you have pets in the house, it is recommended to choose a special type of fabric that does not leave claw marks or puff marks. It is better to order a sofa with a material of this type, then the product will last longer.

Features of the mechanism

The name “accordion” for this transformation mechanism was not chosen by chance. The peculiarity is that when folding and unfolding, the process resembles stretching the bellows of this musical instrument.

Expert opinion

Gusev Roman Tarasovich

Interior design of residential and public premises. 10 years of experience in the design field.

Structurally, such sofas are divided into three separate, but combined zones. These are wooden or steel frames filled with slats that form a rigid base.

The accordion system is as functional as possible, primarily in terms of space. When folded, the mechanism takes up little space, and by raising the seat, the owner will have access to a storage box where bedding or other necessary items will fit.

When unfolded, two of the three blocks form a sleeping place, while the third is a seat that takes on the main load. High comfort is achieved through an orthopedic frame made of wooden slats, which is covered with a polyurethane foam base.

In the most expensive models, the mattress is equipped with its own springs, increasing ease of use.

The maximum permissible load for such a product is 100 kg per bed. However, this indicator depends on the configuration and strength of the model.

The reliability of accordion mechanisms in sofas depends on the price category. Inexpensive models made from wooden beams and chipboard are suitable for temporary accommodation of one or two people, but they quickly become unusable.

Furniture with a steel welded frame and filling made of independent springs or latex will cost more, but in this case the strength also increases significantly.

For maximum comfort, there are models with folding tables and built-in shelves. They are not particularly practical or popular. But in conditions of limited space they will help save square meters.

Advantages and disadvantages

When considering such a model for purchase, it is worth familiarizing yourself with their features in advance. Accordion mechanisms for sofas, like any other systems, have both pros and cons. Benefits include:

Smooth surface. When unfolded, the sofa is a spacious and perfectly flat surface that can compete with beds.
Ease of operation. The easy folding mechanism can be used even by children, as changing the format requires minimal effort. In addition, the mechanism is perfectly balanced and, in good condition, does not allow distortions.
Compactness. When folded, the sofa takes up minimal space, since the entire mechanism is hidden in a special niche. To unfold it, you do not need to move furniture. The part adjacent to the wall remains stationary, making the transformation much easier.
Orthopedic frame. The slats used in modern accordion sofas provide an orthopedic effect. As a result, the posture of vacationers on it is not disturbed. During sleep, the most natural position is maintained, due to which the back and neck do not become numb in the morning.
Storage space. Almost all folding sofas have special sections in which you can put bed linen. They come in different sizes, depending on the model and strength of the frame. Access to the storage is easy, you just need to lift the seat.

If desired, the products can be equipped with removable covers, drawers on wheels and additional shelves.

Despite the large number of advantages, the “accordion” also has negative sides. They can seriously affect the owner’s comfort and therefore require study:

To fold the sofa, the mechanism must be lifted. This task will require some effort, but after lifting the frame, all that remains is to direct it downward by inertia.
If the system is damaged, the sofa cannot be transformed. The internal lever mechanism itself is expensive. Therefore, many people prefer to purchase new furniture instead of repairing old ones.
When unfolded, the sofa takes up a lot of space. This is important for compact housing, because nearby furniture will have to be removed or adjusted to fit the remaining space. The same goes for carpets.
The folded back of the furniture visually looks too massive, and not everyone likes it.

Sofas with a folding accordion mechanism have more pros than cons. It is quite convenient to use, but requires effort to fold. In addition, the mechanism may break or jam, and repairs will be quite expensive.

Advantages and principle of operation

A folding sofa is quite a practical thing. When assembled, it takes up minimal space in the interior, and when unfolded it has all the advantages of a full-fledged sleeping place.

The accordion model is extremely easy to use. The three-stage layout is so simple that even children can do it.

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The rotating mechanism of the accordion sofa unfolds by simply lifting and pulling the canvas forward.

The design has three parts. These are blocks connected in series.

The first two make up a sleeping place, which when folded turns into the back of a sofa. The third part when folded is a seat, and when unfolded it complements the length of the bed.

The total length can be about 2 meters, which allows tall people to comfortably fit on such a sofa bed. Reviews about the accordion mechanism for a sofa are different, and they depend on customer preferences.

You can learn more about the operation of the mechanism by watching the video:

Expert opinion Maria Vasilievna Mikhailova Manager of a furniture store. Knows everything about comfort and interior design

The front shelf and legs are equipped with rubber wheels. This prevents scratches and damage to linoleum or laminate flooring.
The design includes a spacious drawer for storing bedding.
Transformation into a bed does not require moving the structure, since it folds only forward.
There are models with additional shelves built into the armrests.

Folding requires significant physical effort.
Damage to the inner lever prevents the sofa from being folded.
The thick back when folded does not look entirely harmonious.

Types of sofas

The nuances of the accordion mechanism make it possible to produce a wide variety of sofa formats. In addition, with the help of this system, chairs are created that you can also sleep on. For additional convenience, the design includes massive armrests - made of solid wood, or covered with fabric with a soft lining.

Today you can find several types of sofas with an accordion mechanism:

Straight - folds forward, creating a double space. When folded, there are three seats. This sofa is suitable for both compact and spacious rooms, it all depends on the location of the furniture.
Corner - designed to fill corners that are usually empty due to the complexity of building furniture. Such sofas have a main and a corner part, and they are equal in length. The main part of the seat folds out to complement the corner and create a spacious sleeping area.
A chair-bed is not quite a sofa, but due to its compactness and the ability to create a sleeping place, this option is very popular. It is best suited for small homes that often have guests.

In stores you can often find sets of sofas and folding chairs, made in the same style.

Accordion sofa dimensions

The standard dimensions of a folded accordion sofa are:

width from 75 to 200 cm;
height up to 105 cm;
depth from 80 to 195 cm.

Bed dimensions

As for the size of the bed, for sofa models with an accordion mechanism, they start from 70x190, 70x200, 80x200 cm for a single bed and more. The most popular are double models, whose sleeping space when unfolded is 140x200, 160x200, 180x200, 200x200 cm. It can reach 225 centimeters in length (see photo below).

Corner models

For corner sofas, the size of the side part (ottoman) is additionally added.

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.

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.

Expert opinion

Gusev Roman Tarasovich

Interior design of residential and public premises. 10 years of experience in the design field.

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.

Features of the transformation mechanism: pros and cons.

The design of the sofa is as simple as possible and consists of : • a back with a frame; • folding accordion part; • side parts serve as armrests when folded. A special feature of the “Accordion” sofas is their one-sided transformation, i.e. you can install it with its back to the wall - it will remain motionless, but the space in front of the seat will have to be freed up. The model has quite a lot of advantages: • easy to assemble even without the help of professionals - the circuit is quite simple; • robust construction and durable folding mechanism – accordions last a very long time; • the mechanism is very simple and convenient - even a child will learn how to fold out a sofa; • if repairs are necessary, you will not need major investments - the upholstery and stuffing are changed.

In the mechanism itself, only the sliding part guides and rollers can wear out over time, but they are easy to change; • most often models on sale are 2 meters long; the width can be chosen depending on the dimensions of the room; • the sleeping place is level, it is possible to choose a model with an orthopedic mattress; • universal design. The sofa can be successfully placed even in small apartments due to its compact folded size, but for a comfortable sleep you will have to choose the optimal size so that you can fit comfortably and have enough space in the room for the unfolded sofa. Among the disadvantages of an accordion sofa, one should highlight the special demands of the retractable mechanism on the flat surface of the floor covering - you must understand that: • the wheels will leave marks on the carpet; • the process of laying out on the carpet becomes more complicated; • plastic wheels can scratch parquet or laminate flooring. When purchasing, always pay special attention to the ease of folding out the mechanism - if there are problems initially, they will not disappear, but will only get worse. As a result of active use, the parts of the mechanism can wear out and become unusable - do not be alarmed, they can be easily replaced and are sold in any furniture store.

Transformation mechanism in the lens

This type of upholstered furniture got its name for a reason. When moving apart, an analogy arises with musical instruments: accordion, button accordion. The design stretches, resembling the bellows of an ordinary accordion.

It is believed that the fewer parts, the stronger the mechanism. This statement is completely true for accordion sofas. They consist of 3 structural blocks. The first two represent a sleeping place (when folded they act as a backrest), the third is a seat. It is more durable, since the lamellas in this block are located more often, the distance between them is smaller.

To turn upholstered furniture into a bed, you don't need to make any special efforts. It is worth slightly lifting the first part (until a characteristic click) and pulling it towards you. Even young fidgets can cope with this. That is why such models are often installed in children's rooms.

In addition, most modern designs are additionally equipped with wheels, which further simplifies the transformation process and helps avoid scratches on laminate and linoleum.