Assembling a bed with a lifting mechanism: Instructions on how to assemble it yourself

What is a gas lift for a bed?

Many bed models have a gas lift for the bed. This is a special mechanism that is used to lift surfaces attached to it. This greatly simplifies and facilitates the procedure of raising the bed. Two types of gas lifts are used. Automatic devices do not require human effort, control and friction, which are used relatively rarely.

Access to the pallet is quite difficult, as you have to lift a lot of weight. To simplify this procedure, you can use a gas lift for the bed.

Assembly of non-standard models

Beginners in this business often do not understand how to assemble a modern bed according to the instructions. To be honest, even professionals sometimes have problems. This is not surprising, since the design itself is not ordinary. The problem is that the durability of the product directly depends on its assembly. In the case when you simply have no idea how to properly assemble an original double bed, you need to contact specialists in their field. Check with the store to see if they can help you. This way you will save a lot of time and be completely confident in the quality.

You should not neglect such rules, otherwise you will waste your money, and the bed will not last you even ten years.

Overall, working on assembling a double bed is not a difficult task. Following the recommendations and diagrams, the furniture is assembled in less than an hour.

Operating principle and technical characteristics

As the layer rises, the gas expands and presses on the piston. It lifts the bed up, reducing the person's effort. The use of an oil seal in the housing ensures smooth operation. Due to the absence of a shock absorber when installing a friction mechanism, you can stop the movement of the device at any time.

Externally, the design is a small cylinder with several latches and a movable lever.

The cylinder, rod, piston and bearing points are made of steel.

Main technical characteristics:

ability to work in the temperature range -30 - +80 degrees;
maximum rod speed - up to 300 mm/s;
the pressure inside the cylinder does not exceed 160 bar;
The thickness of the cylinder wall is at least 1 mm.

It should be noted that the mixture inside is under very high pressure, so it is not recommended to disassemble gas lifts yourself.

Features in the design of transforming beds

In order to accurately assemble a comfortable sleeping place with a lifting element, first of all you need to familiarize yourself with the structural features of the furniture and, of course, prepare both the tools and materials that may be needed in the work.

Let's consider what elements a sleeping bed with a lifting mechanism consists of:

Under the box or base of the bed, you should consider a frame, which consists of 2 longitudinal boards and 2 transverse ones. On the inside of the box, using strong self-tapping screws, support strips made of a metal profile are fixed in two rows. The upper part acts as the basis for placing the mattress, and a sheet of chipboard or thick plywood is tacked to the lower part. This design allows you to use the internal space of the box to accommodate both bedding and various things.
Manufacturers use high-quality steel to manufacture lifting mechanism elements. The lifting device consists of the following components:
loops for lifting furniture, fixed to the headboard;
lifting elements made in the form of springs;
retractable hoses and closers equipped with gas shock absorbers, supplied in pairs.

Depending on the chosen manufacturer, an orthopedic sleeping mattress may also be included with the bed.

A wall box or wardrobe is also considered as an element of a bed equipped with a lifting mechanism. After all, it is into such a structure, assembled from laminated chipboard, that the assembled furniture will rise. The size of the finished box should be slightly larger than the dimensions of the furniture, but not too large so that the bed does not fall out of the niche.

The cross bar, to which the lifting device will later need to be fixed, is installed stationary at the head of the bed in the lower part of the closet.

Varieties

A lifting structure is most often used due to the lack of living space. This makes it easy to transform one piece of furniture into another.

Gas shock absorbers

They independently lift the bed and take on the load. The best solution for a teenager or woman.

The shock absorber consists of a cylinder filled with nitrogen under pressure

In addition, the system is equipped with a shock absorber and a piston. For normal operation of the shock absorber, it also includes metal plates, shafts and a lift on the gas system.

However, not everyone can afford it due to the high cost.

The elevator is the most convenient and adapted

Spring mechanism

A spring system is used to lift the bed. Thanks to it, a person will need to spend less effort to set the furniture in motion.

Heavy-duty springs wear out quickly and require replacement

Lifting mechanism on hinges

The bed is operated by conventional hinges. The bed has an acceptable cost, which is combined with a high degree of reliability.

Transformation is produced by the force that a person applies

Design and dimensions

Standard bed dimensions:

Length 2-2.2 meters is intended for use by an adult. For a child - 1.2-1.9 m.
Width: adult - 1.2-1.6 m, children's - 0.9-1 m.

Manufacturers offer to complement the bed with a vertical or horizontal lifting mechanism.

Most often, the sleeping place is opened using the book method. The side lift helps to significantly save space. If the weight of the bed is too heavy, then it is suggested to use a lifting system.

The recesses are convenient for storing bedding

Instructions for installing and adjusting a gas lift for a bed

The service life of a gas lift depends on the correct installation of the gas lift.

Installation of a bed riser with gas lifts must be carried out exactly according to the manufacturer's instructions.

The systems can operate at temperatures from -30 to +80 degrees. But this feature affects the power of the device.

To install a bed with gas lift, you need to perform the following basic steps:

Assemble the bed frame according to the manufacturer's instructions;
Install gas lifts. The structure is fixed using bolts or special screws (usually included in the kit). The mechanism is attached with gas lift lugs to the bed frame. Some designs have a specific design and are one-sided. It is important to install them on the correct side (pay attention to the configuration of the cylinders);
Fastening a folding orthopedic bed frame. The lattice frame can have different configurations. Typically has an all-metal construction. Sometimes made from sheets of wood or other material (follow manufacturer's instructions);
Attach the gas lift to the top folding element of the bed. The device is fixed to the bottom of the bed when the folding part is open. It is better to install mechanisms in the bed together. One should support the top folding stand and the other should mount the accessories. It is important to install with the rod down (cylinder up). Installing a gas lift with the rod up is the most common mistake and can lead to structural failure. If the rod is installed face up, then the fastening bolt and fastening lugs work to break. When fastening, it is important to fix the nuts loosely. Otherwise, the mechanism will not move freely and may break the thread. Devices with a rod at the top are very rare and this must be reflected in the manufacturer’s passport;
Run the system several times to check its functionality after assembling the entire structure.

The operation of a gas lift should not involve moving it to top dead center.
This can quickly damage the system. If the system does not work well, you will need to reinstall the accessories. If inaccurate movements are detected, it is important to correct the problem immediately. The mechanism will need to be adjusted or reset again. Otherwise, they will quickly fail when used. To adjust the accessories, you can adjust the tilt angles. The gas lift cylinder has a thread on the inner surface. By turning the mechanism, you can lengthen or shorten it a little. You can also make marks on the base of the bed to mount the mechanism in a different location.

How to choose the right one

When choosing a bed for the bedroom, it is recommended to take an integrated approach. To ensure that furniture meets all requirements, you should pay attention to a number of basic criteria.

Company manufacturer

The furniture market offers a wide range of beds from different manufacturers. It is better to give preference to well-known brands whose product quality has been tested in practice. Since the bed is purchased for a long time, you should not experiment with products from little-known manufacturers.

Color

When deciding on the decorative characteristics of a bed, you must first take into account individual preferences. It is also important that the color of the furniture fits harmoniously into the existing style.

Load

Depending on the person for whom the bed is intended, the load indicator is determined. For children with low body weight, beds that can withstand minor loads are suitable, while adults should choose among more durable structures,

Type of operation of a gas lift to a bed

There are direct action mechanisms, when lifting is carried out by compressing the retractable rod, and reverse mechanisms. The result of the operation of gas lifts is the same, so this parameter is not particularly important and depends on the manufacturer.

How to assemble a bed with a lifting mechanism with your own hands at home

Assembling the main frame

There are special requirements for the base of the bed. First of all, strength. What you have to do:

prepare the material and make the sides of the bed and the headboard. As a material, you can use various wood, chipboard, plywood, wooden beams, chipboard;
for the bottom you will need sheets of plywood;
connect the side parts to the back. Install bumpers on the sides to secure the structure to the mattress. Wooden slats will be used for this. Sometimes special metal brackets are installed;
Attach the head of the bed to the frame. The design of the headboard depends on your desire. High backs should be covered with fabric, under which foam rubber should first be laid. If the headboard is made of expensive solid wood, it is better to simply impregnate it with a composition to increase its service life and varnish the top. This bed design option will fit into any interior.;
install the legs from the bottom of the frame. You can make a stationary version or buy wheels with limiters. The bed can be easily moved during cleaning. During sleep, the restraints work, preventing the bed from moving spontaneously.

Assembling the lifting frame

The sequence of work at this stage is similar to the previous one:

choose a level place to work. This will prevent distortions during the process of joining parts. Control will require a “level”;
fasten the bars with a cross section of 50*50 to each other with hardware and screws. Choose quality bras and accessories;
for a double bed, install an additional rail in the center of the frame. This will give the product additional strength;
To fix the lamellas, slats are attached to the side bars of the frame. The sheets should be about 15 centimeters apart.

Installation of the lifting system

To secure the lifting mechanism, you must perform the following steps:

using hardware - metal corners, install the upper part of the system on the lifting frame;
The other two slats of the bed elevation system are attached to the already fixed part. This will ensure control of the height of the riser and the possibility of fixing it in the raised position;
The reciprocating bar is mounted on the frame body. Serves for smooth sliding of parts of the system when raising the bed and returning to its original position;
Don't forget to test the system. Make several control lifts and turns of the bed to its original position. After making sure everything is in order, start decorating the bed.

The photo below shows how to secure the lifting mechanism.

Lifting mechanism mounting location

Bed manufacturers do not care too much about the ease of use of the lifting mechanism. The fastening scheme is usually the same: fastening to the sides of the bed, the sides. Location: on the head. This mounting option creates many inconveniences:

When fully raised, the distance from the floor to the top of the mattress is too large. This design is difficult for women and children to wear;
After the mattress has been raised to its maximum height, the locking mechanism is activated. To return the mattress to its original position, you will need to further raise the additional frame. It is not comfortable. The second option for removing the fastening is a mount. You must simultaneously hold the mattress and press the lever. Not everyone is capable of such manipulations.

Experienced furniture makers recommend: when assembling a bed with a lifting mechanism with your own hands, attach the mechanisms not to the sides, but to the headboards. This design rises from the side. Performance characteristics are changing for the better. But another problem appears. In order to raise the bed without interference, there must be a passage from the wall. Therefore, the side facade model cannot be placed against the wall.

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

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:

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.
Determine the appropriate level of force to operate the mechanism. As a rule, this information is indicated in the attached documentation.
Install the structure into the lifting mechanism with the cylinder facing up, using nuts with a locking ring and fluoroplastic washers.
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.

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 in actions;
incorrect markings on the furniture frame, a mistake made will not allow you to assemble the bed, so it is important to check all the measurements several times;
excessive pressure on the sheets during installation is unacceptable;
tightening the fasteners too much;
wearing fasteners of inappropriate length.

Step-by-step furniture assembly

Having become familiar with the design features of the transforming bed, you can begin the step-by-step assembly of the structure with a lifting mechanism in the following sequence:

First of all, the wall box is installed, in which the sleeping place will be hidden. To properly assemble a niche, experts recommend making a drawing of the future structure according to the dimensions of the transformable bed. This stage can be simplified by visiting an Internet resource on the relevant topic, where various drawings are posted.
At the next stage, you need to correctly lay out both the transverse and side boards in order to fix the corners for support to them.
The components of the box are fixed to each other, not forgetting to control the level of the corners so that the assembled structure fits smoothly into the wall niche.
Thick plywood or a sheet of chipboard is attached to the bottom support rail.
The upper support corners are assembled.
The hinges are fixed at the head of the bed to the transverse support rail.
Lifting spring systems are fixed to the longitudinal part of the frame, 80-85 cm below the headboard.
In place of the same fastening, both closers and gas type shock absorbers are installed. During installation, be sure to check the symmetry of the arrangement of elements. If the fixation is incorrect, the structure will be overloaded on one side, which, in turn, will disable the entire lifting system.
The support legs, equipped with a protective pad, are fixed to the side parallel to the headboard.
The slats on which the mattress will rest are fastened with self-tapping screws along the top of the support corners.

In what cases is specialist help needed?

Installing gas lifts has many nuances. If you are new to the mechanisms and the cause of the breakdown is not clear to you, you are not sure that you can perform the installation efficiently, then you should entrust it to an experienced specialist. The best option is to entrust the assembly or repair of furniture to specialists. They will select the style, size and design of the furniture. Also determine the optimal characteristics of the lifting mechanism.

Products from German companies are considered the best fittings. However, many domestic products also have good user reviews.

Sources

https://OmkMebel.ru/krovat/ustanovka-podemnogo-mehanizma-na.html
https://mblx.ru/kojka/drugie/1013-sborka-krovati-s-podemnym-mehanizmom.html
https://remoskop.ru/krovat-s-podemnym-mekhanizmom-svoimi-rukami.html
https://novamett.ru/krovat/s-podemnym-mehanizmom
https://SvoimiRukamiMebel.ru/krovati/dvuxspalnaya-krovat-1600×2000-mm-s-podemnym-mexanizmom/
https://uripomoshnik.ru/nalogi/kak-sobrat-krovat-s-podemnym-mehanizmom-instrukcziya-po-sborke-dvuhspalnoj-krovati-160200-s-podemnym-mehanizmom-svoimi-rukami/
https://okcomfort.com/mebel/krovati/kak-sobrat-podemnuyu.html
https://severdv.ru/mebel/krovati/sborka-krovati-s-podemnym-mehanizmom/
https://mebelarity.com/krovati/kak-sdelat-krovat-s-podemnym-mehanizmom-svoimi-rukami/
https://divanguru.com/couch/kak-sobrat-krovat-s-podemnym-mexanizmom-svoimi-rukami
https://hozzi.ru/obustrojstvo/sborka-krovati-s-podemnym-mehanizmom

Main assembly problems

Modern beds have many complex mechanisms, and not all buyers can understand the principle of their operation and installation rules. Even though the beds come with step-by-step instructions. Why does this situation arise? There are three reasons.

Most city residents, especially the younger generation, do not have the skills to work with construction and carpentry tools. Accordingly, assembling a bed on their own is an almost impossible task for them.
Assembly instructions are written by qualified personnel. This is correct and logical, but the presence of specialized terms in the text significantly complicates the task for the average consumer. In addition, some operations in the instructions are skipped as a matter of course, which is another obstacle for an unprepared person. As a result, the buyer may read the instructions several times, but still not understand them.
Making beds is not considered a complex production, and there are a large number of semi-handicraft companies operating in the furniture industry. They produce rather low-quality products; many elements and parts have to be adjusted independently during assembly.

Not every furniture company produces its products responsibly

And one more problem. Budget bed options are made from laminated chipboards, and the only real advantage of this material is its low cost. As for the physical properties and performance characteristics, they do not quite meet the requirements of strict buyers. Particularly great difficulties arise in loaded junctions of individual elements. They cannot withstand cyclic multidirectional loads, and these are the ones that mostly affect double beds. At the slightest violation of the assembly technology, the nodes weaken, then the slabs quickly collapse, and the bed frame can completely lose stability. In addition, all threaded connections in chipboard are considered disposable. This means that re-screwing screws into old holes will no longer provide the original strength.

Laminated chipboard has an attractive appearance and low cost, but is not durable

Rules for safe use

When using lift beds, you should follow simple safety rules:

The wardrobe-bed in a vertical position must be securely attached to the wall;
When raising and, especially, when lowering beds, it is recommended to stand to the side of the structure;
When using a device with a spring shock absorber or a manual one, the berth in the raised position must be additionally secured with a special support.

Gas lifts are considered the safest. They hold the bed securely in the raised position because the piston of the gas elevator is fully extended and in this state it cannot contract spontaneously. Some companies offer a gas lift lock on the gas spring rod in the kit, but this is for overly cautious buyers. In principle, the bed cannot fall down sharply. Even if one gas lift suddenly fails, the bed will slowly lower due to the second one.

Purpose of the mechanisms

Lifting mechanisms allow you to expand the functions of beds and thereby free up part of the living space of the house. Two methods are used for this. The first makes it possible to move the bed into a vertical position and put it in the closet. Or you can transform it into another piece of furniture for a time when the bed is not in use, thereby freeing up scarce living space.

The second method adds the ability to the bed to store household items, linen and clothes. The box for it is placed under the rising bed. This solution can eliminate the need to purchase a linen closet, saving money and the bedroom space that would be required to install this piece of furniture.

Beds with lifting devices have some other useful qualities:

They store things carefully - the sleeping place closes the box very tightly and does not allow dust to pass through;
They have an aesthetic appearance - bedding can be put away in a box without any problems and the sleeping place looks very aesthetically pleasing;
They simplify cleaning - dust does not accumulate under such a bed and it will always be clean.

To lift and hold the berth, special mechanisms are installed

Preparation of the project and drawing

When choosing a ready-made solution or starting production from scratch, start planning:

They think over the general design concept : how many people the bed will be designed for, whether there are drawers or niches. When choosing a size, take into account the parameters of the room - there should be enough free space around the furniture.
A preliminary sketch or drawing is made with the main details: the base box and the frame for the mattress.
Choose a mattress model . Only after the dimensions have been clarified do we begin designing. Otherwise, after making the bed base, you may not find a mattress of the right size.
A detailed drawing of the base box, load-bearing frame, headboard and backrest is drawn up, indicating the method of fastening the parts together.

A detailed drawing is necessary to purchase materials and fasteners, as well as to prepare the missing tools.