Characteristics of a gas lift for a bed, rules for self-installation

Gas elevators are widely used in various spheres of life, including devices of this type that are actively used in the furniture industry. Unlike conventional springs, taking into account the power, such a device has a wide range of possible forces. In addition, the gas lift for the bed allows you to quickly and easily find things located in the box under the bed, since lifting it will not cause any difficulties. Designs equipped with such a device will be indispensable for people living in small apartments, since during the day such a sleeping place can be easily hidden in a closet.

What is

A gas lift for a bed is a device that makes it easier to lift the upper part of the structure without extra effort. The operating principle of this small device is similar to that of a car shock absorber. The main components of the product are:

1. Cylinder with gas (nitrogen is almost always used). It must be taken into account that there is high pressure inside the cylinder, so it is not worth repairing or disassembling it yourself.
2. Piston with rod - this part helps transmit the force generated during operation of the product.
3. Oil muffler (can also be made of rubber). A gasket whose main task is to stop vibrations that occur during the operation of a gas lift.
4. Retainers. Plates made of durable steel, with which the gas lift is fixed to the bed frame.

Many companies equip their furniture with gas lifts not only to make it convenient for the owner to store and search for various things. Beds supplemented with a similar device ensure an anatomically correct position of the spine during rest. They also do not have joints and seams, which often cause discomfort. Other advantages of the product include:

1. Simplicity of design.
2. Since the lift is assembled from just a few elements and operates using pressure, it is affordable.
3. Easy installation.
4. Reliable and durable - each product is designed to last approximately 20,000 lifts.
5. No noise during operation.
6. The device is completely safe for health.

Making a bedspread with your own hands, instructions, tips
As for the weaknesses of beds equipped with a gas lift, there are only 2 of them. If you purchase a bed with springs in the upper block, you will need to put a lot of effort into lifting the element. The second disadvantage is that gas lifts that can withstand heavy loads are expensive.

How to repair a gas lift bed yourself

Independently identifying defects in the operation of the piston mechanism requires some knowledge and skills, otherwise troubleshooting will end very badly.

To understand the reason for poor-quality gas lift, you should, at a minimum, arm yourself with the manufacturer’s instructions. Or you can watch videos on the Internet on this topic.

The algorithm of actions includes the following steps:

• It is necessary to ensure that the load and pulling force of the mechanism are consistent. This article mainly applies to recently purchased models. It is important to understand that the gas lift only works properly at full load. Therefore, it is necessary to place a mattress on the base.
• Visual control of the correct installation of the mechanism. If necessary, disassemble them completely or partially, adjust the elements relative to each other, loosen/tighten the fasteners.
• Complete replacement of low-quality fittings without identification marks with other proven ones from recognized brands.

If, as a result of the operations performed, the result remains the same, it is recommended to consult a specialist.

Varieties

Each manufacturer complements its products with different types of lifting mechanisms, which differ in design, cost and operating period. Also, each device differs in power. Taking into account how a gas elevator works, elevators are divided into the following groups:

1. Manual mechanism. This type of gas lift is the simplest and most affordable. Despite the fact that a device of this type will function for a long time and properly, today they are rarely used to equip beds. This is due to the fact that great physical effort is required to lift the upper element. In addition, such products can cause damage to the bed frame.
2. Spring type lift. A simple system that is very easy to use. It doesn't take much force to lift the bed frame. The disadvantage of this design is that its service life does not exceed 5 years, since after this time the springs stretch, causing the device to stop functioning.
3. A mechanism based on a gas shock absorber. The design operates smoothly, does not emit extraneous noise, and is reliable. If you correctly calculate the load and use the device carefully, it will last more than ten years.

Of all types of devices, the most durable is considered to be a product that contains gas shock absorbers. Compared to other types, such a lift is more expensive. But the high cost is justified by comfort and safety.

Gas elevators themselves are automatic - their operation does not require physical effort or human attention. Or friction ones - the pressure in such cylinders is much less, which allows the structure to be stopped in any position.

Manual mechanism

Spring

Gas lift

Is it possible to fix a gas lift with your own hands?

Repairing such a part of the frame of any chair is not justified due to the high cost of repair work - it is easier to replace it with a new one than to repair the old one. But, if you don’t want to waste time on a new mechanism, you can try to fix the problem yourself. This does not require special skills or knowledge, just follow the instructions.

Ukrainian manufacturer Barsky offers all its customers a 5-year warranty on mechanisms and a 2-year warranty on upholstery materials. There are no similar offers on the market. In addition, the main misconception of the consumer is that the warranty cannot be “cancelled”; this judgment does not apply to the manufacturer Barskikh - all breakdowns caused by the manufacturer are eliminated after the consumer contacts.

Specifications

If the bed is equipped with a gas lift, the surface of the product can be easily raised and returned to its original position. Everything will go smoothly and without unnecessary noise. The main characteristics of such lifts are:

1. The main substance that ensures the functionality of the structure is inert gas (most often the cylinders are filled with nitrogen).
2. The chamber, rod and support tips are made of steel.
3. The minimum thickness of the walls of the cylinder, which is filled with gas, must be 1 mm, otherwise it will be unsafe to use the structure.
4. Any gas elevator can be compressed by applying force.
5. For the device to function properly, the room temperature must vary between -30/+70 degrees.

Advantages of orthopedic bed bases, selection criteria

It must be taken into account that the pressure in the cylinder is very high. That is why, if an element is deformed or another malfunction is discovered, it is strictly not recommended to disassemble it and try to repair it yourself. Below is a table showing the calculation of forces for vertical beds.

If you purchased a horizontal type bed, the power of the lift should be different. This is due to the fact that the load in this case is distributed differently. For horizontal beds, you can use less powerful gas elevators.

If a person does not know how much a bed weighs, one can be guided by average values. A single design weighs about 30 kg. The weight of an orthopedic mattress varies from 30 to 40 kg. Therefore, a single bed weighs on average about 60 kg.

Medical, multifunctional bed for the disabled - all the nuances of this device

• Content

A medical bed for sedentary citizens is a special type of bed that is designed for the rehabilitation of patients on bed rest, for seriously ill citizens who have undergone surgery.

They make it easier for patients to stay in one position. Of course, every patient, while on bed rest, is distinguished by comfort, convenience, and versatility.

An ordinary bed is unlikely to cope with the tasks. If we talk about the advantages of using them, they are much greater than the disadvantages. And in general there is only one minus - the price.

Criterias of choice

Specialized stores offer a wide range of gas elevators. In order not to be disappointed in the purchase, you first need to figure out what recommendations to take into account when choosing. Experts advise following these rules:

1. The first thing to do is to calculate approximately what the product’s load capacity should be. To do this, you need to know the dimensions of the bed, as well as its weight.
2. Taking into account the obtained parameters, select the necessary device.
3. How easily and quickly the frame will rise depends on the number of shock absorbers installed. It is advisable that the bed be equipped with two mechanisms on the sides.
4. The length of the gas shock absorber is of no small importance. This parameter directly determines the height to which the body will rise.
5. Preference should be given to fittings manufactured by German or German-Russian enterprises. The elements produced by such companies are of high quality and have proven themselves better than others.

If you install too powerful a pneumatic mechanism on the bed, this can lead to certain difficulties. In this case, raising or lowering the bed can be quite difficult.

The device is selected taking into account the required load capacity

For easier lifting, the bed should be equipped with two shock absorbers on the sides

The length of the gas lift determines how high the bed base will rise.

German gas elevators are considered to be of the highest quality.

Need for use

The bed guard is a universal design that will be needed for the following groups of patients:

• bedridden patients who need postoperative, rehabilitation, palliative care;
• patients whose symptoms of illness do not allow them to control their movements;
• disabled people with limited motor function;
• To old people;
• small children.

Impaired or forced limitation of motor function is typical for patients with the following diagnoses and conditions:

• epilepsy;
• impaired coordination of muscle contractions, including muscle cramps;
• tremor;
• Parkinson's disease;
• dementia;
• Alzheimer's disease;
• post-infarction state;
• consequences of stroke;
• mental illnesses;
• complex fractures requiring long-term immobilization and others.

Uncoordinated contractions of muscle groups is a symptom that develops in individuals who have suffered severe hypothermia or, conversely, overheating, electric shock, mechanical injury, or who have received a large single (or in a short period of time) dose of radiation. Muscle tone or spontaneous contractions (especially spasms) can cause a person to fall out of bed. So he can cause harm to himself in the form of bruises, fractures, concussions.

Installation Tips

In most cases, the installation of a gas lift on a bed is carried out at the production stage, at the enterprise itself. But if you wish, you can do the installation yourself. To carry out the work you will need a basic set of tools: a hammer, a saw, a drill with different drills, metal corners, several self-tapping screws. And, of course, you need to purchase a suitable gas lift in advance. For everything to work properly, it is recommended to install the product according to the following algorithm:

1. The first step is to assemble the bed frame. In this case, metal corners are used, which will securely fix all the elements and make the structure strong.
2. Next, you need to install the gas lift using special screws and bolts.
3. Afterwards, the folding frame is assembled and the gas lift is fixed to it. The product must be previously installed in the open position.
4. Finally, it remains to check how well the installed lifting mechanism works. To do this, you need to squeeze and unclench it several times. The design should operate smoothly and silently.

Types of bed bases - characteristics, pros and cons

Self-installation of a gas lift will not cause difficulties and will not take much time. However, if there is uncertainty that everything will be done correctly, it is better not to take risks and seek help from a professional who will do the work. As an alternative, you can immediately choose a bed that already has a powerful gas lift installed. In this case, preference should be given to well-known and trusted companies.

The gas lift on the bed does not compress: reasons

The main reasons for gas lift failure include:

• Incorrect installation of the gas lift with the rod up, resulting in a strong jerk when lifting. As a result, computer components wear out much faster.
• Tighten the nuts when installing on the frame.
• The load on the mechanism is incorrectly calculated, for example, a gas lift of greater power than required is installed.
• Installation of cheap elements of unknown brands.
• Insufficient gas pressure on the piston.
• Missing parts.
• Incorrect operation due to the use of force when lifting/lowering. By default, the elevator performs these processes on its own. The user only needs to press or press lightly on the surface.

Important! If you detect a creaking, too sharp or too slow movement of the mechanism, you should immediately inspect it and, if necessary, repair it yourself or call a specialist. Otherwise, the gas lift will soon have to be completely replaced.

Buy or make

In theory, you can make the lifting mechanism you need yourself. To do this, you will need appropriate drawings, verified dimensions, instructions that describe the installation and how to do everything without errors.

But in practice, I advise you to do without these complex and unnecessary manipulations. You won’t be able to save much by making the folding mechanism yourself. Assembly will require separate components, the price of which in total is not so different from a finished mechanism manufactured by a trusted manufacturer and with clearly verified dimensions, parameters and characteristics. The factory mechanisms calculate for what sizes and parameters of the bed a particular model is suitable. This makes it possible to choose the right option if you have a single, one-and-a-half or double bed, the base itself is wooden, chipboard or metal, and the size of the bed is 160x200 or 180x200, for example.

It is much more important to understand how to assemble or install a ready-made lifting mechanism kit.

Types of gas shock absorbers

How to remove a gas lift from an office chair or chair

There are the following types of furniture gas lifts:

1. Direct-acting gas lift, that is, this device works to compress the rod (the rod is in full extension);
2. A reverse-acting gas lift device is triggered by the extension of the rod (the rod is in a recessed state).

Most often, shock absorbers of direct action are used in the manufacture of furniture.

By installing the device in different ranges, it is possible to ensure that the door opens at different angles. This is especially true for cabinets that are located very high, or, conversely, low.

What are the main advantages of using gas elevators over other fastening fittings?

1. Firstly, gas furniture lifts use compressed nitrogen, which does not lead to corrosion of the device, unlike ordinary oxygen. In addition, nitrogen is not capable of damaging the rubber parts of the shock absorber. We can say that this gas greatly extends the service life of the elevator.
2. Secondly, using such lifts you can ensure smooth closing of doors even in budget furniture.
3. Thirdly, modern hardware manufacturers have launched shock absorbers on the market, the installation of which does not require the use of any tools.
4. Fourthly, the large selection of loads that can be used when installing lifts on cabinet fronts allows you to choose the most suitable fittings to open the door silently and with minimal effort.
5. Fifthly, gas furniture shock absorbers have a fairly wide temperature range, thanks to which they can be used in any room.
6. Sixthly, the material used to make gas lifts (steel) makes these devices reliable and strong.
7. Seventhly, the warranty period for these fittings is from ten to one hundred thousand closing and opening cycles, which indicates the high quality of these lifts.

Let's look at the main stages of installing gas furniture struts on horizontal opening doors.

Variety of offers

In the catalog you can choose a medical 4-section bed:

• with fixed or variable bed height. In the latter case, it is easier to adjust the bed to your height and create comfortable conditions for use;
• different types of adjustment. The simplest option is manual, mechanical adjustment (rotating knobs). Adjustment can also be performed using gas springs, a hydraulic pump or an electric drive;
• reliable ventilated base. The beds are made of high-quality metal; to ensure good air exchange, the bed has a mesh structure;
• with or without wheels. The advantage of the former is ease of movement. A brake is provided to secure them;
• side rails, bushings for installing infusion stands and devices that make it easier to lift the patient.

Restoration

Repairing a bed at home includes several stages:

1. The surface where the work is planned to be carried out is covered with film so that dust and dirt do not fall on the floor;
2. The furniture is disassembled according to its structural elements: sides, backs, armrests. They are numbered and added up;
3. Fastening parts are set aside separately;
4. Remove and disassemble upholstery material;
5. Inspect the bed frame for cracks and other damage. If any are found, parts of the furniture are replaced;
6. They make new upholstery and assemble furniture;
7. You can include some decorated elements in the design of the furniture, for example, installing mirrors in frames similar to the decoration of the bed at the headboard on the sides.

What difficulties may arise during assembly?

In the absence of experience in this matter, as a rule, you may encounter the following difficulties:

- sometimes it becomes necessary to drill an additional hole;

— installation of a gas lift, this stage of work is one of the most difficult and requires accuracy and precision;

— incorrect markings on the furniture frame, a mistake made will not allow you to assemble the bed, so it is important to check all measurements several times;

— excessive pressure on the slats during installation is unacceptable;

— too much tightening of fasteners;

- use of fasteners of inappropriate length.

Checking the contents

Wheels

Most product models are equipped with special wheels that are mounted on the crosspiece. The diameter of the rollers does not exceed fifty millimeters, and the size of the rods is ten millimeters. Most often, the wheels are supplied separately from the crosspiece and therefore you will have to install them yourself.

If the chair will be placed on parquet or linoleum, it is recommended to buy rubberized casters. They will not damage the surface and will not leave marks on it.

Cross

When checking the package, you need to make sure there is a crosspiece. This is an irreplaceable part on which the rest of the structure is installed.

The crosspiece is made of the following materials:

• Wooden. Wood parts are used in expensive office chairs. The advantages of wooden crosses include an attractive appearance and resistance to high loads.
• Chrome plated. Such products are considered the most reliable and durable. Chrome parts are versatile, as they are installed in both expensive and budget chairs.
• Plastic. Budget chairs are equipped with plastic crosspieces. In terms of strength, they are inferior to products that are made of metal or wood.

Lifting mechanism and casing

The kit should include a special mechanism for raising and lowering the seat. It is installed between the chair support and its cross.

A gas lift is a hydraulic gas device found in every office chair. If it is not included in the package, you will have to contact representatives of the store where the product was purchased.

Seat, back, 2 armrests

In addition to the above components, the kit should include two armrests, a seat and a backrest. These details make the office chair more comfortable. However, sometimes the kit may be missing something. Most often this happens when they buy budget models of office chairs that are sold without armrests.

Set of bolts and other fasteners

The parts from which the chair is assembled are secured using special fasteners. Bolts and screws should be included with the rest of the chair. Most components are attached to each other with small screws about one and a half centimeters long. To attach the side armrests, stronger fasteners are used - bolts.

Special key

Some office chairs have components that are secured not with screws or bolts, but with fasteners with a special hex hole in the head. Such fasteners are not very common, and not every person has a tool for working with hexagons. Therefore, manufacturers must ensure that a special key is included in the kit.

Procedure

Precise adherence to the procedure is the basis for proper installation. By following these steps step by step, you will be able to avoid common mistakes that can lead to damage to the product and shorten its service life.

Preparation and assembly of MDF parts

A large number of bed parts are made of MDF. When starting installation, all elements are freed from the packaging film and inspected for damage.

If at least one element has defects, replacement is required. A damaged bed frame will not be secure.

The parts are laid out at the installation site so that the side with holes for fasteners is on top.

Fasteners are screwed to all parts and connected to each other according to the instructions.

Installation of box and base

The main parts of the bed are the box and the base. First, the perimeter of the structure is assembled, which consists of three walls and a head back. To do this you need:

• connect the walls and the head back to each other using fixing elements;
• a base is placed on the constructed frame, which is usually made using wood and a metal frame;
• To securely fix all components, tighten the screws with a screwdriver.

In some types of beds, longitudinal strength elements may be provided. In particular, solid longitudinal ties, brackets and corners, fixed to the structure with screws, are common

This feature is important to take into account during the work process.

Installing Corner Ties

The purpose of corner ties is to impart reliability to the assembled structure. The screed consists of several elements:

• a corner in the form of a metal plate bent in the central part at a right angle;
• bolts for fixing the plate to the frame;
• threaded bushings.

To connect the two walls of the bed with a corner tie, the plate is placed on the inside at their junction. Then the bushings are inserted and the bolts are tightened first on one wall, and then the connections are aligned and the fasteners are fixed on the adjacent wall.

If desired, it is possible to replace the standard model of corner tie with a modern version, for example, confirmat or minifix, which are distinguished by more compact dimensions.

How to install the lifting mechanism

Expert opinion Ksenia Petrovna Romanova Expert in the field of interior design, as well as the head of a fabric sales salon

When installing the lifting structure and determining its sides, it is important to avoid mistakes, as this will lead to improper functioning of the mechanism. The installation process requires the following steps:

1. Secure the furniture frame to the lifting mechanism. It is recommended to use screws for this. Before final fixation of the fasteners, it is necessary to level the gaps between the base and the frame.
2. Determine the appropriate level of force to operate the mechanism. As a rule, this information is indicated in the attached documentation.
3. Install the structure into the lifting mechanism with the cylinder facing up, using nuts with a locking ring and fluoroplastic washers.
4. Tighten the fixing nuts to the limit, then loosen the fastening slightly, leaving minimal play. After this, you should check the functioning of the lifting mechanism by lowering and raising the structure several times.

Installation of the traverse

The traverse is a special element that performs the function of a screed. Using a traverse, the lower part of the bed frame is fixed.

The element is placed along the structure parallel to the longitudinal tension parts. The use of a traverse helps strengthen the structure, ensures stability and durability, and also makes it possible to securely fasten small side elements that most often fail.

Installation of frame and mattress holders

Handles for controlling the lifting mechanism and a mattress limiter that are convenient for everyday use are mounted on the furniture frame. If the bottom of the bed consists of slats, the number of which varies between 15-25, then they are hammered into special holders.

Each lamella is secured on both sides, so this step will take a lot of time. The process is completed by installing the bottom of the bed and tightening the cover.

How to select, assemble, install and press by hand?

Since the operation of the bed is required to be reliable and long-term, you need to choose the right mechanism. It is necessary to calculate the load that it will withstand. To calculate, you need to find out the weight of the structure, take into account the density of the material of the bed and mattress (characteristics are noted by the manufacturer).

Gas lifts have different markings, indicated in Newtons:

1. Approximately 10 N can support 1 kg of weight.
2. Step marking – 200 units (600 N, 800 N, etc.).
3. The load must be distributed evenly. It is recommended to install 2 devices on both sides of the bed.

As an example, we can imagine that a gas lift needs to be installed on a bed, the weight of which together with the mattress is 60 kg.
This means that two mechanisms are needed with a minimum marking of 600 N. Theoretically, two elevators will lift 120 kg of mass, but given the distribution of force at an angle, this does not happen. The device is chosen with a small margin, since during active use it weakens. You should not install an overly powerful gas lift on the bed - raising or lowering the frame will require a lot of effort.

To install the mechanism yourself, you will need to prepare tools such as:

The installation algorithm is as follows:

1. The furniture body on which the device is planned to be installed is assembled. To securely fix the elements and strengthen the entire structure, metal corners are used.
2. The gas elevator is screwed to the body using self-tapping screws. They are included in the mechanism kit. 4 holes are drilled in the housing for fasteners. The lower part is fixed with bolts, then the corner plate of the gas elevator is screwed on. The device is screwed down, fixing the surface of the bed in a raised position to avoid damage to the mechanism due to errors in calculating the length of the arm.
3. The surface of the bed is lowered onto the base of the frame, in which 4 holes are drilled to secure the upper part of the mechanism. The drilling points must be correlated with the location of the fixed bottom strip.
4. The frame is lifted and the bolts are screwed into the upper part of the gas elevator.
5. The assembly is completed by connecting all parts of the gas lift with a piston, fixing it from the bottom and top of the mechanism.
6. After installation, check the serviceability of the gas shock absorber: compress and release it several times. The movement of the gas elevator should be silent and soft.

There are one-way models of gas lifts. During installation, it is important not to confuse the left and right mechanisms.

Installing a gas elevator with your own hands is simple and does not take much time. However, if you are not sure that the installation will be done correctly, it is better to contact a specialist.

A little about the manufacturers

Before installing a gas lift on a bed, experienced furniture makers recommend carefully studying the country of origin of the mechanism:

• First of all, take a closer look at products from Germany or joint Russian-German companies.
• In second place in popularity are now devices from Turkey and Taiwan.
• According to the good old tradition, China cannot boast of the high quality of complex mechanisms. Therefore, it is better to refuse to install a gas lift on a bed from the Middle Kingdom.

Load calculation

Before installing a gas lift on a kitchen cabinet, you should make accurate calculations. They all depend on the weight of the furniture and additional conditions. You should pay attention to the following parameters:

• there is a special marking on the body of the selected design;
• the measuring force is indicated in newtons;
• in front of the letter N, which denotes the pressure force, there is a number indicating the body effort;
• Information about the weight of the facade with a handle will be useful; it will help to correctly install the gas lift.

If the calculations are incorrect, this will significantly reduce the service life of the structure.

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