Types of furniture gas lifts, rules for selection and installation

Felix September 25, 2018Specialization: philological education. 20 years of experience as a builder. Of these, for the last 15 years he led a team as a foreman. I know everything about construction - from design and zero cycle to interior design. Hobbies: Vocals, psychology, quail breeding.

A bed with gas lift is a convenient storage system.

Greetings, my dear readers.

Nowadays, beds equipped with a lifting mechanism are becoming more common. After all, this is not only a sleeping place, but also a storage system. Most often, raising the bed is provided by a gas lift. With its help you can easily access the spacious box located under the bed.

I will tell you what a gas lift is, how to choose it correctly and install it yourself.

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.

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.

How to replace a lift

First of all, you need to choose a high-quality gas lift for the bed. Once it is selected, you can begin installing it:

• It is necessary to dismantle the old equipment. To do this, you need to unscrew all the nuts and install new gas shock absorbers in the vacant space. The position should be cylinder up.
• Installation must be done with the frame in the open position. First, attach the part that is to be installed on the bed frame, and then attach the mechanism to the frame.
• It is necessary to ensure that all parts are securely screwed to the body.
• After installing the mechanism, you need to check the smoothness of its operation.

To avoid problems with such a mechanism in the future, it is necessary to take into account its characteristics and the quality of the fittings. Then it will last a long time and will not cause any trouble.

What is a gas furniture lift?

What types of filing cabinets are there, selection rules
The main elements included in the design of a furniture gas elevator are:

• the rod with which the mechanism operates;
• guide for rod movement;
• bearing facilitating sliding;
• piston;
• sleeve with gas;
• sealing gaskets that give the system complete tightness.

Internal device

Gas is filled into the sleeve of furniture fittings exclusively in the factory. The device is completely sealed, which eliminates gas leaks in the event of a breakdown. It cannot be repaired: if it breaks, a complete replacement of the fittings will be required.

What does a furniture gas lift do and why is the device installed? Using the mechanism you can:

• open and close cabinet doors smoothly and silently, which eliminates the possibility of sudden contact of the facade with the furniture body and extends the life of the furniture;
• fix the doors in the open or closed position;
• gain maximum access to the contents of the cabinet and view all items stored in it.

In addition to the cabinet, gas elevators can also be installed on any other folding systems, for example, for lifting beds, disassembling/assembling sofas, sectional tables, for an office or children's chair, and so on.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of a gas elevator:

• ease of operation;
• silent raising and lowering of the surface;
• when using liquid nitrogen in the shock absorber, the metal parts of the bed do not rust and the rubber gaskets do not deteriorate;
• convenience and ease of use (no effort required, as is the case with spring furniture);
• reliability (rare breakdowns of gas lifts);
• minimal risk of injury - moving parts are hidden under the casing;
• a wide range of.

The gas lift mechanism allows you to fold and unfold the bed about 20 thousand times, which is an approximate service life of several decades.

Flaws:

• unaesthetic appearance of the bed - gas lifts are partially visible;
• It is impossible to immediately determine the quality of the parts.

The conditional disadvantage of gas lift is the high price . However, it is compensated by a longer service life provided that it is installed correctly.

Classification

Selection rules and fittings options for sliding wardrobes: purpose, characteristics

When planning repairs and purchasing new furniture, we recommend that you pay attention to structures that use gas lifts. They increase the level of ergonomics, comfort and operational safety of any furniture several times.

At the same time, there are different areas of application for furniture gas elevators, which is why a certain classification is used

Taking into account the direction of their action, there are 2 types of shock absorbers:

• Direct action. Direct action designs are distinguished by the fact that they compress the operating rod. That is, in the basic assembly state, the rod is in the fully extended position. In the furniture manufacturing industry, these devices are the most common;
• Reverse action. From the name it is not difficult to guess how they differ from direct action elements. How do you think? Absolutely right. Here the gas lift extends into a recessed rod.

There is a classification based on the internal pressure inside the working cylinders. Designs are divided into 2 categories.

• High pressure. They consist of a rod and a cylinder. Inside the latter, as already noted, there is an inert gas. Such an element cannot be disassembled. The work is based on the fact that gas begins to displace the rod from the cylinder. By plunging the rod inside the cylinder, the volume of gas storage used is reduced and the pressure in the spring increases;
• Low pressure. These lifts are made from a pair of hollow cylinders filled with compressed gas. When compressed, the gas increases volume and thereby increases the internal pressure in the spring. Their resource is almost unlimited. Plus, such structures can be adjusted, disassembled and maintained.

Therefore, we recommend that you first ask which GLs are used in the furniture you purchase. If you made the furniture yourself, then all you have to do is buy a suitable shock absorber. Markings are applied and installation is carried out. Buying gas lifts today is not a problem at all. The price for accessories is reasonable, and there is a large selection.

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.

Installation technology

Review of outdoor cabinets for gas cylinders, selection rules

How to install a gas lift system on a cabinet? Before installation you must:

• determine the method of fastening the fittings;
• prepare tools to do the job;
• familiarize yourself with the diagram for attaching the lift to the cabinet door.

Mounting methods

The gas lift can be installed on a furniture cabinet:

1. using fixing pads secured with self-tapping screws. This option is easy to install, but can only be used for products made of wood, chipboard, MDF and analogues;
2. using screws with a locking function. The primary area of ​​use is metal and plastic surfaces.

Types of fasteners

As a rule, self-installation of a furniture lift is carried out on plates, since the installation of screws must be carried out at the furniture manufacturing stage.

Tools and materials

To perform installation work you will need to prepare the following kit:

• tape measure, square, marker (pencil) for applying preliminary markings;
• drill for preparing holes for fastenings;
• screwdriver and screwdriver for fixing the lift.

A gas lift is exclusively an additional device that facilitates the process of using a cabinet or other piece of furniture. The main fittings of a cabinet door are furniture hinges.

Even after installing the gas lift, the main load is taken by the hinges

Gas lift installation

Direct installation is carried out after installing all the cabinet door fittings according to the following scheme:

1. determination of mounting locations for furniture lifts. The location of fasteners is determined in accordance with the planned opening angle of the cabinet door. As a rule, installation dimensions for all situations are indicated in the attached instructions;

Determining lift mounting locations

1. in the marked places holes are drilled, the diameter matching the size of the fastening bolts;
2. fasteners are fixed;
3. The gas lift is fixed on the fasteners. Fixation is considered complete only after a click. In some situations, fixation requires some effort.

Gas lift mounting

You can watch the video for more information about the process of installing the lift yourself.

It is recommended to carry out work on installing a gas elevator before the final installation (hanging) of the cabinet. This will allow you to apply markings more accurately and avoid distortions. It should be remembered that in order to ensure the correct operation of the fittings, it is recommended to install two lifts on cabinets, beds and sofas.

How to install

The gas lift is usually installed on the bed during furniture production, but you can also do it yourself. For the work you will need a hammer, a saw, an electric drill with various attachments, metal corners, self-tapping screws and a properly selected gas lift.

How to install the mechanism on the bed:

• First of all, you need to assemble the bed frame. For this, metal corners are used to strengthen the structure;
• Now you can start attaching the lifting mechanism. For this, special screws are used;
• assembly of the folding frame;
• attaching the gas elevator to the folding frame, which must be in the open position;
• checking the functionality of the mechanism. To do this, the gas lift is alternately compressed and decompressed. If there are any inaccuracies in the operation, you must start the installation again, taking into account all the recommendations.

In order to install a gas lift yourself, you will need to take into account many nuances. If you are unsure of your actions, you should contact specialists who will perform all the work efficiently in accordance with the instructions. In order to avoid installation difficulties, you can order a bed with a lifting mechanism. This will allow you to choose the right furniture style, its dimensions, as well as a lifting mechanism with the appropriate technical characteristics.

Installation

The main advantage of such fittings is its reliability, durability and aesthetics. These qualities explain why gas lifts for kitchens have become so popular lately. How to install it is well known to any furniture assembler. To do this you will need: a ruler, a screwdriver, a screwdriver and a drill. The gas lift lifting mechanism for the kitchen is attached using a spring bracket, which allows you to simply snap the mechanism or plates onto it, fastening to it using screws.

The upper end of the gas lift is fixed on the side wall of the inside of the cabinet at a distance of 29 mm from the bottom edge of the top shelf and 37 mm from the edge of the side wall. The length of the gas lift is determined by the dimensions of the furniture as follows: when the door is opened downwards, with the upper part reinforced as described above, the lower part is attached to the door at the following distance from its inner end:

• with an internal cabinet height of 190 mm - 50 mm;
• at a height of 264 mm - 84 mm;
• at a height of 365 mm - 128 mm.
• Thus, in the first case, the length of the entire bracket when open is 164, in the second - 244, in the third - 355 mm.

Wholesale sale of reliable furniture fittings

With the help of an online store, the Elimet company is engaged in wholesale deliveries of modern fittings to anywhere in Russia. Are you looking for a reliable gas lift for your sofa?

Especially for you, we have created a convenient catalog, thanks to which you can familiarize yourself with all the company’s products.

Each lifting mechanism is described in detail - you can familiarize yourself with all the characteristics of the facade lift.

Can't make a choice on your own? — A qualified manager can always help you. If necessary, you can also clarify the delivery conditions and cost of the goods.

Buy furniture fittings from a reliable supplier. Complete kitchen cabinets, sofas and beds. Delivery conditions are described in the corresponding section.

Main selection criteria

To choose the right gas elevator, you will need to determine:

• type of system;
• technical specifications;
• manufacturer.

Types of gas lifts. Their advantages and disadvantages

To assemble furniture we use:

• direct action lift;
• reverse action lift.

A direct-acting gas elevator operates on compression. This is the most popular version of the lifting system, as it is simple to manufacture, lower cost and easy to install.

Direct acting gas lifts

Reverse-action furniture lifts, on the contrary, work to extend the rod. Fittings are more complex to manufacture, as high precision is required during production, which primarily affects the cost of the equipment.

Reverse action furniture lifts

Gas elevators can also vary in how they open. There are models:

• with a step-by-step design, that is, manual opening. The cabinet door or other folding element in this situation is equipped with a handle that facilitates the process of controlling the lifting mechanism;
• with automatic design. In this case, the lift is equipped with an electric drive that drives the lifting mechanism.

Electric furniture lift

Automatic fittings are installed on cabinets located in a place inaccessible to standard opening (for example, high) or where manual control is difficult (for example, due to the heavy weight of the bed). It should be noted that the cost of such accessories is significantly higher.

Determination of technical parameters

In order for a pneumatic gas elevator to serve for a long time, you will need to determine:

• compression force;
• equipment dimensions.

When calculating independently, the compression force of the spring is determined taking into account:

• weight of the folding structure (facade, bed, rising part of the chair, etc.);
• the distance determined from the center of the axis of operation of the equipment to the middle of the lever (center of gravity);
• height between the center of the system axis and the equipment mounting location;
• number of installed lifting mechanisms.

Data and calculation method for gas lift for furniture

In order not to make complex calculations, you can use the recommendations of experts:

• It has been proven that when choosing cabinet lifts, a 1 kg load will require a lifting force of 10 Newtons. Manufacturers produce lifts of different strengths. The most popular devices for kitchen cabinets are 60 N - 140 N, and for sofas, beds, chairs - 1000 N;
• When choosing lifts for other pieces of furniture, the device classes are taken into account.

If the lift class is selected incorrectly, this does not mean that the mechanism will not work. However, the service life of furniture fittings will be significantly reduced.

The next step is to determine the dimensions of the furniture lift. The length of the gas lift depends on the size of the cabinet door or other lifting device.

Popular manufacturers

When choosing furniture fittings, you also need to pay attention to the manufacturer, since the reliability and service life of the equipment depends on the manufacturing company. Currently, products manufactured by the following companies are popular:

Currently, products manufactured by the following companies are popular:

What to consider when choosing

Since there are many types of gas elevators on the market today, it is worth understanding what to look for when choosing:

• it is necessary to calculate the required load-carrying capacity of the device. To do this, you will need to know the mass of the bed, its height;
• depending on the obtained load capacity indicator, select the right one;
• When choosing, you also need to pay attention to the mounting diameter of the hole.

When purchasing a gas elevator, you cannot save money, since the quality of the product directly depends on the cost. A cheap mechanism will not last long.

Application

Initially, gas lift became an extremely useful solution in the automotive industry. Its installation was carried out on trunks and hoods. The driver himself does not hold the structure, since the elevator performs this function instead. The lifts lifted and held a certain weight, preventing sudden falls, damage, etc.

But today these elements have gone much further. The main areas of application include:

• furniture industry;
• construction;
• production of doors, frames and showcases;
• medical industry;
• production of office equipment;
• weapon;
• aerospace structures;
• robotics;
• household appliances and more.

Elevators can have different sizes, they differ in their design and structure, which allows you to find the optimal mechanism for each specific case.

But we are interested in gas lift as furniture fittings. If you look around furniture stores in St. Petersburg or Moscow, or look through the pages of catalogs in Hafele Shop Ru, you will find a huge number of variations and manufacturers of gas elevators.

In what cases is specialist help needed?

Installing gas lifts has many nuances. If you have little understanding of the mechanisms and the reason for the failure is unclear to you, you are not confident that you can perform the installation efficiently, you should entrust it to an experienced specialist. The best option is to order furniture assembly or repair to specialists. They will select the style, size and design of the piece of furniture. The optimal characteristics of the lifting mechanism will also be determined.

The optimal fittings are considered to be products from German companies. However, many domestically produced products also have good user reviews.

Operating principle of gas lift

The classic gas spring has a smooth operating stroke.

When the door front opens at least 10 degrees, the gas spring, without your help, will further open the door to the full open position of 90 degrees.

The entire door opening process is controlled by a special hydraulic shock absorber to minimize noise and vibration of dishes in the cabinet.

The gas lift mechanism has so many advantages. What is the reason for this? The secret lies in the design of the device and the principle of its operation.

Let's consider the composition of the gas lift structure

:

• body, cylindrical;
• sleeve;
• piston;
• valve;
• rod, move freely around the body;
• valve to maintain medium pressure in the system;
• sliding bearings;
• stuffing box;
• to create a tightness - stuffing box,
• anther;
• piston seal.

The housing cavity is filled with nitrogen, which is the working medium

It is impossible to open the gas lift with your own hands, but attempts can lead to undesirable consequences. Which can simply lead to damage to the device.

Criteria for choosing a gas lift

:

1. The main characteristic of a gas lift is the compression force, so before purchasing you must know exactly the weight of the door for which the gas lift will be intended. The greater the weight of the door, the greater the compression force of the mechanism.
2. The second selection criterion is the length of the mechanism, which depends on the immediate size of the door that it will need to hold.

One of the significant advantages and at the same time a selection criterion are two types of door opening: automatic and step-by-step.

The step-by-step design is the design we are familiar with, with a handle on the door.

The automatic design is slightly different. With this mechanism, the door opens with one press, and after a while it automatically closes.

This advantage is very convenient and effective, because we are always in a hurry to get somewhere and often forget to close the cabinet doors. This mechanism is also convenient for those who, due to their height, simply cannot reach the door of a wall cabinet.

Modern technologies have made it possible to release completely new models with a more complex and high-tech lift. Kitchen furniture facades are equipped with an electric drive, which allows operation without human effort.

When buying a gas lift, it is not at all difficult to pay attention to these two small criteria, but very important. There will be no problems with the size of the cabinet and the length of the gas lift, but the compression force must be determined in advance.

Calculation of the required gas lift compression force

A load of one kilogram requires a force of 10 Newton. Knowing the weight of your kitchen door, you can easily calculate the amount of force required.

Modern manufacturers sell fixed-load mechanisms to the furniture market: 60, 80, 100, 120 and 140 Newton.

Load calculation example

Your bed weighs 80 kg together. This means that for lifting you will need two furniture gas lifts for a bed marked from 800N. Theoretically, a system of this volume can lift a weight of up to 160 kg, but in practice this does not happen due to the fact that the forces are distributed at an angle.

Do not forget that over time the forces of the devices weaken, so it is permissible to take the model one step larger than the weight of your structure. Just do not buy a gas lift that is too powerful, otherwise it will be difficult to raise and lower the bed frame due to insufficient weight and too high gas pressure in the cylinder.

As you can see, even when choosing a gas lift for a folding bed you should be extremely careful. Taking into account all the described rules and recommendations, you will be able to choose a product that matches the characteristics of your bed. And the long service life of the structure depends on the right choice.

Scope of gas lifts

Gas elevators have proven themselves in the automotive industry - initially they were installed on hoods and trunks, and also mounted in car doors. Lifts are needed to take on the weight of structures and protect them from damage.

Today, gas lifts, in addition to the automotive industry, are widely used in other areas:

• Furniture industry - first of all, we are talking about kitchen furniture. Gas lifts are ideal for cabinets that open upward. They prevent doors from closing spontaneously and allow you to save space in the kitchen. Also, furniture gas lifts are installed in office chairs, folding sofas, wardrobe beds;.
• Construction - used in the production of doors, window frames and glass display cases;
• Medical equipment - used in the manufacture of beds for the care of palliative patients, in the production of simulators for rehabilitation procedures and other equipment;
• Printing - gas shock absorbers are installed on the covers of copiers, scanners, MFPs and other devices;
• Weapons sphere - used for the manufacture of pneumatic weapons;
• Aerospace construction and others;

Below we will talk about the features of furniture gas lifts.

Functional types

For each of the above types of activities, a gas lift of the appropriate type can be selected. There are several main criteria for choosing such systems.

Direction of action

In this case, direct and reverse gas lifts are distinguished. The work of the former is based on compression of the rod. By default, this element is extended to its full length. It is this type of gas lift that is used in furniture production. As for the reverse system, the rod extends from the inside.

Cylinder pressure level

Springs with a high or low degree of pressure can be installed in the design.

• For the first, a combination of a rod and a cylinder filled with inert gas is used (non-separable product). Gas displaces the rod part from the cylindrical part. As the rod deepens, the gas volume is reduced, which leads to an increase in the degree of spring pressure.
• The latter are represented by two hollow cylinders. The spring pressure in them changes in proportion to the volume of pumped gas.

It is worth noting that low pressure systems have virtually no operational restrictions. They are easy to use and maintain, starting from the stage of installation into a furniture structure (or any other).

Type of spring lock

Gas lifts with a lockable spring can be considered a separate functional type. The stop element is installed on a pressure tube or rod, which allows you to stop the progress of the structure at the right moment. In particular, this is relevant when adjusting the height of office chairs. The gas lift is fixed by means of a special button that controls the piston valve (the system is set in motion by pressing this element).

From a technical point of view, there are three methods of blocking:

• Standard (with a fairly elastic fastener). Over time, the risk of spontaneous movement of the piston increases.
• Ambivalent. When the piston is pulled out, the fixation is more rigid, which increases reliability.
• Combined. Equally rigid fixation, preventing free movement of the spring element in any direction if the lever in the structure is not pressed.

Naturally, the degree of reliability of the system affects its final cost.

Recommendations for selection

If you decide to change gas lifts on purchased furniture, or assemble it yourself, you will need to purchase new fittings.

Before attaching the first shock absorbers you come across, I advise you to listen to a few fairly simple tips. But they will help you choose the right elements.

You should pay attention to the force with which the spring is compressed and the size of the furniture element where the new fittings will be installed. To withstand an approximate load of 1 kg, a compression force of 10 Newton is sufficient

Therefore, your task will be to measure the weight of the structure, which will allow you to easily calculate the required shock absorber parameters. Most gas lifts are offered with an already fixed load, which ranges from 60 to 140 Newton. There is no point in buying powerful GLs for light furniture. But you shouldn’t select an element that is on the edge of its capabilities.

The size of the door affects how long the gas lift you will need. The longer the spring, the thicker the housing will be.

Placing responsibility on just one elevator is not recommended. At least 2 elevators should be installed per door. Everything again depends on the size of the furniture. This will evenly distribute the load and reduce the wear rate of the fittings.

Recommendations and tips

It is important to know that gas lifts differ in size, metal thickness, and load withstand.

The gas lift length is the distance between the two end mounting lugs of the mechanism. Inside the cylinder there is a lubricant, which flows down during operation and lubricates the mechanism. Thanks to a properly installed gas lift, the base of the bed rises easily.

After securing the devices, be sure to check all lifting angles.

If the gas lift was stored for a long time before installation, then at first it can work with considerable force.

You should not save on these products, since the maintenance of furniture and its durability depend on their quality.

The functionality of the devices should be checked on a bed with a mattress. Without its load, the frame may not remain in the closed position and will rise.

There is no point in checking the operation of the gas lift with your hands, since a working device should not be compressed. And if it shrinks from the force of the hands, then it means it is broken. A gas spring of 300N cannot simply move under the influence of hand force.

The mechanism should not be impacted, cut or the cylinder should not be heated - there is high pressure inside and this can be hazardous to health.

During operation, you should also avoid bending or distorting the mechanism.

If you correctly develop an installation strategy and also follow the manufacturer’s instructions, then the design will turn out no worse than the factory one.

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.

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

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

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.

Instructions for installing and adjusting a gas lift for a bed

Its service life depends on the correct installation of the gas lift.

Installation of a bed lift using gas lifts should be strictly carried out according to the manufacturer's instructions.

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

In order to assemble a bed with a gas lift, you need to complete the following basic steps:

• Assemble the bed frame according to the manufacturer's instructions;
• Install gas lifts. The structure is fixed using pins or special screws (usually included in the kit). The mechanism is attached to the bed frame using gas lift eyes. Some designs have a specific design and are one-sided. In this case, it is important to install them on the correct side (pay attention to the configuration of the cylinders);
• Assemble the folding orthopedic bed frame. The lattice frame can have different configurations. It usually has an all-metal construction. Sometimes it is made from lamellas of wood or other material (follow manufacturer's instructions);
• Attach the gas lift to the upper folding element of the bed. The device is attached to the bottom of the bed when the folding part is open. It is better to install the mechanisms on the bed together. One should hold the top folding grille, and the other should install the fixtures. It is important to install with the rod down (cylinder on top). Installing a gas lift with the rod up is the most common mistake and can lead to structural failure. If the rod is installed upward, then the mounting pin and mounting lugs work to break. When fastening, it is important to fix the nuts without overtightening. Otherwise, the mechanism will not move freely, and the thread may break. Devices with a stem 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 the gas lift should not include its movement to top dead center. This can quickly damage the system.

If the system does not work properly, the accessories should be reinstalled.

If inaccurate movements are detected, it is important to correct the problem immediately. It will be necessary to adjust or reinstall the mechanism again. Otherwise, they will quickly fail when used. To adjust the fixtures, 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 markings on the base of the bed to install the mechanism in another place.

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 - the pressure in such cylinders is much less, which allows you to stop the structure in any position

Manual mechanism

Spring

Gas lift

Advantages of lift-up beds

Beds with gas lift have many advantages:

In the box under the bed you can arrange a convenient storage system.

1. Practicality, ergonomics and versatility . The box under the bed serves as a spacious storage system for linen, blankets, bedspreads, and home clothes.
2. High level of strength and reliability . When installing a gas shock absorber, it reduces the load on the user and increases the service life of the bed base.
3. Easy to use . To operate a gas lift, you do not need much effort or special skills. Even a child can cope with the device.
4. Variety of furniture designs and configurations . There are one-, two-, and one-half-size lift-up beds on the market. They have a varied configuration and stylistic design. Therefore, you can choose furniture that is suitable for you.
5. Lack of dust particles, dirt and humidity under the bed . The bed is protected from their accumulation by the tight fit of the frame to the base.
6. Financial savings . When installing a lift-up bed, there is no need to purchase additional storage systems for the bedroom. The box under the bed can accommodate most of the pastel accessories, linen and home clothes.

A lift-up bed can even have this unusual shape.

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.

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 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.

Structure and design features of office chairs

All existing office chairs can be divided into the following groups.

For managers. They are distinguished by their large dimensions and solid appearance, most often upholstered in natural or artificial leather. They have the greatest number of functional capabilities, for example, a synchronizing mechanism that ensures repetition of the movements of the seated back and seat, mechanisms that regulate the depth of the seat, back resistance, negative tilt, etc. Executive chairs are comfortable and sized.

For staff

They must be comfortable and reliable, so when choosing them, the main attention is paid to the shape of the seat and backrest and the gas lift mechanism, and not to appearance. They are lightweight, which allows for a high level of mobility, and have modest functionality, which includes mechanisms that regulate the height of the armrests and seat, as well as the angle of the backrest.

This group includes computer chairs and operator structures with armrests.

For visitors. Such chairs must first of all be comfortable, beautiful and stable, and therefore they are devoid of any functionality. They often have four stationary legs, without a cross on wheels or a rotation mechanism. A modern chair is a functional and comfortable piece of furniture.

Almost all models are equipped with armrests. Cheap designs are made almost entirely of plastic, while more expensive ones are made of stainless or anodized steel.

Despite the existing differences, all chairs consist of the following basic elements:

• a five-beam cross, which is the basis of the entire structure and is made of plastic or metal;
• rollers, plastic or metal, having an internal hinge and metal fastening;
• pneumatic cartridge, or gas lift, which is the leg of the chair and provides elasticity;
• a swing mechanism that helps fix the chair in one position and tilt;
• piastra, which looks like a metal platform equipped with a lever, and is necessary for adjusting the height of the seat;
• permanent contact connecting the seat and backrest and responsible for changes in the position of the latter.

Multifunctionality is the main criterion when choosing a chair.

Office chairs have the following features designed to make working at your desk more comfortable:

• height adjustment, allowing you to choose the optimal seat height for each person;
• changing the tilt of the backrest, ensuring constant contact of the back with it, even when the sitting position changes;
• rotation around an axis and mobility created by rollers.

An office chair is a rather complex device and any of its structural elements can fail.

Replacement of gas elevator

If the gas cartridge does not compress, and the device is required when using a chair, that is, fixing the device in one position is unacceptable, then a complete replacement of the mechanism is required.

To replace you need:

• prepare a certain set of tools and additional materials;
• familiarize yourself with the work flow chart.

Preparing to replace the gas lift

To replace the gas lift swing mechanism, you will need to prepare:

• new chair lift. You can purchase accessories in a specialized store. When choosing a gas elevator, you should take into account the dimensions of the equipment and the maximum load. If you can’t determine the parameters yourself, you can use the help of sales consultants;
• Phillips screwdriver for assembling and disassembling furniture;
• hammer. To ensure safety, it is better to use a hammer made of rubber. Such a tool will not damage the equipment during operation;
• ring punch;

Punch – a tool for pulling out (so-called “knocking out”) parts from holes

• vice. You can replace the gas lift without a vice, but using a bench tool will simplify the work;
• WD-40 liquid.

Sequence of replacement work

How to remove the old gas lift from the chair and install a new lift? The work is performed in the following sequence:

1. treating all joints of stool elements with WD-40 liquid. This will make the disassembly process easier;

Lubricating units to facilitate disassembly

1. seat detachment.

How to disassemble the chair? Using a Phillips screwdriver of the appropriate size, loosen the bolts securing the seat to the piastre.

Next, the chair is turned over and the seat and decorative casing are removed from the lift using rolling movements. The work can also be done by resting your feet on the crosspiece and using rolling movements to remove the chair;

Detaching the seat from the cross and gas lift

1. disconnecting the lift from the piaster and crosspiece.

The work is done by knocking out the gas lift with a hammer with a rubber tip. To facilitate the process of disassembling the cross and the lift, you can also use a metal drift.

Before knocking out, remove the retaining ring - the pin located on the back side of the cross at the point where the gas cartridge is connected;

Removing the gas cartridge from the piastrum

1. installation of a new gas cartridge. To do this, at the first stage it is necessary to insert the device into the crosspiece (until there is a click indicating the fixation of the element), applying some force, put on the protective and decorative casing and connect the half-assembled structure with the piaster;
2. Assembling the computer chair in reverse order.

You can learn more about the independent process of replacing a gas elevator on a computer chair by watching the video.

Replacing a gas chair lift is not a complicated process, so even a novice craftsman can do the job on his own. If you have all the tools, a new lift and pre-processing, the work is completed within 15 - 20 minutes.

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

Repairing such a part of the structure of any chair is not justified due to the high cost of repair labor - 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.

The Ukrainian manufacturer Barski provides all its customers with a 5-year warranty on mechanisms and 2 years 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 “knocked out”; this judgment does not apply to the manufacturer Barski - all breakdowns due to the manufacturer’s fault are eliminated after the consumer’s request.