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:
- 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.
- Piston with rod - this part helps transmit the force generated during operation of the product.
- 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.
- 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:
- Simplicity of design.
- Since the lift is assembled from just a few elements and operates using pressure, it is affordable.
- Easy installation.
- Reliable and durable - each product is designed to last approximately 20,000 lifts.
- No noise during operation.
- The device is completely safe for health.
Classification of mattress covers for a bed, correct choice of size
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, it will take a lot of effort to lift the element. The second disadvantage is that gas lifts that can withstand heavy loads are expensive.
What is it and its purpose
A gas lift is a special mechanism designed to lift surfaces connected to it. In terms of its operating principle, this mechanism is similar to automobile shock absorbers.
The gas bed lift consists of the following parts:
- a cylinder whose interior is filled with gas, most often nitrogen. It is important to note that the gaseous composition of the cylinder is under very high pressure, so self-disassembly of this element is not recommended;
- a piston with a rod that serves to transmit the applied force to the external environment;
- oil damper ensuring smooth running due to the shock-absorbing effect.
The purpose of this device is not only to conveniently store various things. Beds with such equipment are able to properly support the spine and eliminate joints and irregularities that interfere with normal rest.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Gas elevator design
It is a structure consisting of the following components made of plastic and metal:
- Sleeve.
- Elevator cone.
- External and internal cavities.
- Lifting rod.
- Landing, outer and inner cones.
- Button.
- Sealing element.
- Gas valve.
- Bearing.
- Gas bypass channel.
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:
- The main substance that ensures the functionality of the structure is inert gas (most often the cylinders are filled with nitrogen).
- The chamber, rod and support tips are made of steel.
- 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.
- Any gas elevator can be compressed by applying force.
- For the device to function properly, the room temperature must vary between -30/+70 degrees.
Types of bed bases - characteristics, pros and cons
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.
| Structure weight, kg | Lift force, N | Bed dimensions, cm |
| 50 | 800 | 90x200 |
| 60 | 1000 | 100x200 |
| 70 | 1400 | 120x200 |
| 80 | 1800 | 140x200 |
| 90 | 2000 | 160x200 |
| 100 | 2200 | 180x200 |
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.
| Structure weight, kg | Lift force, N | Bed dimensions, cm |
| 40 | 400 | 600–800 |
| 50 | 500 | 600–800 |
| 60 | 600 | 800–900 |
| 70 | 700 | 800–900 |
| 80 | 800 | 900–1500 |
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.
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:
- 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.
- Taking into account the obtained parameters, select the necessary device.
- 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.
- The length of the gas shock absorber is of no small importance. This parameter directly determines the height to which the body will rise.
- 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.
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:
- 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.
- Next, you need to install the gas lift using special screws and bolts.
- Afterwards, the folding frame is assembled and the gas lift is fixed to it. The product must be previously installed in the open position.
- 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.
Options for mattress sizes for beds, selection criteria
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.
How to properly install a gas lift on a kitchen cabinet?
At the beginning of work, you need to select a tool and make markings, purchase gas lifts and components. Gas lifts are characterized by different parameters and the force at which the spring is compressed. The device must match the size of the furniture. Typically, the dimensions of furniture are standard and there are three main options for gas lifts in size. You need to know the maximum extension of the rod and the length of the folded mechanism.
The compression force is needed when calculating the design for doors of different weights, taking into account the entire coating and fittings. The amount of compression of the spring is standardized and indicated in the technical data sheet of the mechanism, measured in newtons and can be 60, 80, 100 and up to 140 N. Based on the weight of the door, the gas lift is calculated based on a kilogram of door mass per 10 newtons of compression force.
There are many ways to attach. Flat platforms are often used, mounted on the sides of the cabinet with screws and self-tapping screws. Screw-in holders are used for wooden furniture.
What tools will be needed during installation?
You need a set of tools - one is not enough. If you want to install it yourself, you will need:
- Meter, ruler or tape measure.
- Hammer and pliers.
- Drill (preferably electric).
- Screwdriver or screwdriver (the latter is preferable).
Step 1. Marking before installation
Before installing the device, markings are made in the cabinet niche and calculations necessary for installation are made. The centers of the mounting points are also marked on both sides of the niche and on the door.
Step 2. Installation work
Installing a gas lift on a kitchen cabinet is carried out as follows:
1. First, the bases are fixed to the sides of the cabinet in the places marked earlier.
2. Plates and brackets with springs are installed. The bracket is screwed in and the gas lift head snaps directly onto it.
3. The center of the fastening must coincide with the marked one; the base is fastened in different versions with 3 or 4 screws or self-tapping screws. The head of the structure is fixed in the holes.
Important! If the plate is bent, the elevator does not work.
4. The same steps are taken to secure it to the furniture door. The hinge angle should be 8 degrees.
Gas lift installation diagram
5 installation tips
In connection with mounting the device yourself, we can provide some useful tips:
- The mechanism must be fixed to the sides of the niche - otherwise the fastening will be skewed.
- The door in the cabinet must be firmly secured with two additional furniture hinges.
- It is better to choose elevators with a force of up to 80 Newtons; doors of greater mass are not available in practice.
- Door fittings must be installed before gas lifts are installed.
- When installing a kitchen cabinet, it should not hang on the wall.
The upper cabinets are equipped with a gas lift.
Gas lifts are very convenient and expand the functionality of cabinets and other furniture. The low price and the ability to buy and install them yourself from the facade give them advantages over other structures. The disadvantage of the device is the inability to repair an already installed gas lift for the kitchen. There are many videos on the Internet and complete instructions on how to attach the device. You can place it on a cabinet made of any material.
