Features and structure of the mechanism for sofas "dolphin"

Folding sofas have found their place in the interiors of small and spacious apartments. This is a comfortable alternative to a bed: when folded, the furniture is ready to receive guests and does not take up useful space, but when unfolded it pleases with a spacious sleeping place. Such models differ in shape and layout. We will tell you what are the features of the popular Dolphin mechanism in sofas.

folding sofa dolphin — Furniture with a dolphin mechanism occupies a special place among the folding sofas.

Content Hide

What is the mechanism of transformation of the sofa "dolphin"
The device and principle of operation of the mechanism
Advantages and disadvantages
Varieties of mechanisms
How to properly repair or replace parts
Recommendations and tips for choosing sofas with dolphin mechanism
- Springless filling
- Spring filling
The best manufacturers and models
Video: sofa with dolphin mechanism
Sofas with the mechanism "dolphin" in the photo

What is the mechanism of transformation of the sofa "dolphin"

This is a fairly simple mechanism that is used in straight and corner sofas. Under the seat is a pull-out unit that rolls forward and rises to the level with the main seat. Thus, a full-fledged sleeping place is obtained.

dolphin mechanism principle — A pull-out unit rolls out from under the seat and turns into a sleeping place.

A drawback that can become significant for a number of buyers is that the design does not provide built-in drawers for storing bed linen. However, some models have them and are located on the side.

sofa with box for linen — Some models have boxes for bed linen.

The device and principle of operation of the mechanism

It got its name "dolphin" because of the external similarity with this animal.

the name of the mechanism dolphin — The mechanism got its name from = for the external resemblance to a dolphin.

The sliding mechanism is based on rollers and guides (steel frame). A hidden part rolls out along them. Due to the simple device, breakdowns are practically excluded.

simple mechanism design — The mechanism rarely breaks down due to its simple design.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main “plus” of the Dolphin mechanism for the sofa is its laconicism. No tricky features or parts that cannot be replaced. Such furniture is reliable and easy to use. Even a child who does not have significant physical strength can decompose it.

the ease of the dolphin mechanism — The mechanism is so simple that even a child can handle it.

Some models are equipped with an orthopedic base, which makes them comfortable to sleep on.

orthopedic sofa base — Some models have an orthopedic base.

Built-in drawers are found only occasionally - in corner models. Dolphin sofas usually do not have storage space for bedding. The size range is wide: from miniature models to sofas 240 cm in length and more (made according to individual measurements).

models without boxes — Most models do not have storage boxes for bedding.

The mechanism also has drawbacks. Due to the principle of operation, wheel marks may remain on the floor. Carpets and rugs can interfere with the normal unfolding of furniture.

wheels damage the coating — Wheels can damage the flooring and catch on the carpet.

Over time, a difference in height occurs between the component parts of the sofa, which causes inconvenience to the sleeper. Also, some buyers are confused by the height of the product, but this is a purely individual aspect.

difference in bed height — Over time, there may be a difference in the height of the sofa parts, which creates discomfort during sleep.

Varieties of mechanisms

The sofas are based on the same mechanism from a metal frame, guides and rollers. The only differences are in the materials used. Rollers are usually made of plastic - this is the most fragile part of the structure.

materials for the dolphin mechanism — The mechanism can be made from different materials.

The hidden part is fixed by a system of levers and springs.

Advice. If the frame is made of low-quality steel, during operation it deforms and breaks down.

low quality steel parts — Poor quality parts can bend over time.

How to properly repair or replace parts

An important advantage of the mechanism is the minimum risk of breakage, provided that it is made of high quality materials. The most common 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.

unsteadiness of the sofa when unfolding — If the sofa begins to stagger when unfolding, you just need to tighten the fasteners.

Another type of breakdown is broken points of attachment of the sliding mechanism to the mobile box. To fix, you need:

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

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

molded sofa — A pressed material sofa is more difficult to repair.

If the sofa is made of wood, then the dowel is put on glue, a hole is drilled out, clogged. Then the mechanism is installed in its original place.

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

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

sofa mechanism lubrication — Sometimes it is enough just to lubricate the parts of the mechanism.

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

Recommendations and tips for choosing sofas with dolphin mechanism

When choosing, you need to pay attention to the interior filling of the furniture. The level of comfort will depend on it.

Comfort during use depends on the interior filling of the sofa.

Springless filling

Polyurethane foam or foam rubber is used as a filler. The latter is considered less elastic and quickly loses its shape. Polyurethane blocks are mainly composed of air, quickly reverse when compressed, and represent a good alternative to spring fillers.

springless sofa filling — For springless filling, foam rubber or polyurethane is used.

Spring filling

There are two types:

with dependent elements that are connected by a "snake" - elastic, take the shape of the body, if one of the springs breaks, the sofa sags, sharp edges can stick out of the upholstery;
with independent elements - more modern, each spring is hidden in an individual case, it takes the shape of the body well, has orthopedic properties.

spring filling of the sofa — There are two types of spring filling.

It is also important to focus on the materials of the case and movement. It is best that they are made of durable wood and quality steel. Such a sofa will last much longer.

sofa made of quality material — Sofas made from quality materials are more durable.

Advice. From an economic point of view, it is more profitable to purchase more expensive furniture, since plywood is used for its manufacture, and not chipboard. In the long term, such a sofa will turn out to be much cheaper than budget models, the design of which breaks down faster with daily use.

expensive sofa models — It is more profitable to purchase expensive models, since they serve much longer than cheap counterparts.

The best manufacturers and models

The best sofas will be sofas made of sturdy wood or plywood rather than extruded materials.The higher the quality of the housing, the less the risk of loosening the bolts.

solid wood sofa — It is advisable to choose the body from solid wood or plywood.

The most popular and high-quality models of the model can be found from well-known Russian manufacturers. The majority of buyers trust the products of the following companies: “Shatura-mebel”, Anderssen, Rival, “Tria”, “Pinskdrev”, “Mebel-holding”. These firms have been on the market for more than a decade, they are engaged in the production of cabinet and upholstered furniture, provide guarantees for all types of products.

dolphin sofa manufacturers — There are several reliable companies that have been on the market for many years.

If you need a custom size or additional options to the main structure, you should order furniture according to individual drawings. This will allow you to independently regulate the choice of materials and mechanisms.