Many car enthusiasts facing the term ISOFIX do not know what it is and why it is necessary. In this article we will try to close this gap in knowledge. Here you will learn what isofix is \u200b\u200bin the car, why it is necessary, as well as what is its advantages and disadvantages. If you are planning to buy a car, this information will allow you to do right choice, ensure security and avoid traffic violations.
According to the rules' requirements road, Transportation of children in the passenger vehicle before it is used only with the use of special chairs. At the same time, the seats must ensure safety minor passenger For any emergency situations.
What does ISOFIX fasteners look like
Many manufacturers are engaged in the release of such devices, but the diversity of models and fastening methods has become more negative factor. The fact is that the use of various modifications of the car seat led to frequent errors during their installations. As a result, the children suffered even with minor accidents.
This was the reason for the emergence of a single international standard of rigid fastenings of children's car seats directly to the machine housing. This standard was introduced by the ISO International Institute and was called ISOFIX or ISO Fix.
In addition to ISOFIX, there are alternative standards for fastening a car seat. For example, in the US, the standard is quite popular Latch., and in Canada - UAS..
How to install an armchair with an ISOFIX fastening
Due to the simple design of the fasteners, it was possible to minimize the number of errors when installing a car seat for children. In essence, Isofix is \u200b\u200btwo brackets that are attached directly to the car body. The standard place of their installation is the space between the back and the seat of the passenger rear armchairs.
Installing a chair with ISOFIX fastening
To install the car seat, it is necessary to simply direct it from the brackets to the brackets and snap into the list of clamps. It is almost impossible to make a mistake in such operations, and the reliability of fixation is quite high.
There are also modifications of children's car seats with additional attachment points. Manufacturers argue that such models provide a higher degree of child protection.
- Modifications with retractable (telescopic) stubborn leg. Such an emphasis allows you to ensure the impossibility of moving the chair forward in front blows, however, it creates some inconvenience during operation.
- Models with anchor mountwhich have an additional point of fixation using a special belt with a carbine. The strap bracket can be behind the head restraint of the seat or on the floor of the luggage compartment. Such a modification is considered more convenient and no less reliable. Almost all new cars are completed with the ISOFIX system specifically.
It should be noted that most of the children's car seats with the ISOFIX fastening system can also be fixed using conventional car belts. This is useful if the chair needs to be used in a car that is not equipped with an appropriate fastening.
What are the car seats with the fastening of Isofix
Isofix fastening is used for attaching car seats designed for the weight of the child up to 18 kg. These are the so-called group 0+ and group 1.
Car seat with ISOFIX mounting of the group 0+ (left) and 1 (right)
Car seats of group 0+ used for newborns and children weighing up to 13 kg. This design is a set of two main elements - directly carrying seats (crackers) and a base having an isofix type mount. The main advantage of such modifications is the ability to conveniently endure even a sleeping child. Just put a chair on the base, pressed and the safety of the trip was provided. The minuses of such a system traditionally include increased cost, and the base, and the carrying itself have a fairly high price.
Car seats Group 1 are used for weight 9-18 kg. In essence, this is a traditional chair with a standard fastening embedded in its lower part. There are no special design differences, but simplicity allows us to provide reliable fixation and safety.
Also on sale appeared and combined car seats Groups 0 + / 1which can be used for any child weighing up to 18 kg. Such modifications can be installed both during the movement and against it. In this case, the fastening of isofix is \u200b\u200bused mainly exclusively for group 0+. Separate models have a corporate bowl system (up to 180 degrees), allowing to simplify the placement of the child or disembarking it.
Video about isofix in the car
Some minuses fastening isofix
The main disadvantage, as already noted, is a weight limit. If the mass of the child is more than 18 kg, it is technically impossible to ensure reliable fastening of the chair during emergency shock loads due to a certain strength of the structural elements.
Some difficulties cause and differences in the design of the passenger seats of the car. Different form of the back, head restraints, differences in size and other factors complicate the use of standard isofix fasteners.
ISOFIX fastening is primarily a standard that was developed by the International Standardization Organization and is successfully applied in all developed countries of the world. It is designed to provide maximum safety during the trip.
Important! ISOFIX fastening allows you to quickly and without any difficulties to install a children's chair in the car.
With the help of fastening ISOFIX, parents get a comfortable, simple and reliable chair, which will serve for many years. The main difference of this product from a variety of others is that the vehicle belts are not used for fixation.
The overall mounting scheme of the ISOFIX armchair is as follows: There are several built-in locks with retractable stones. The whole design is fixed with metal loops, which are also called anchors.
Attention! Anchors are part of the car. They are directly attached to the body. Accordingly, their reliability does not cause any doubts.
On the video, you can find out what isofix is:
History of creating and implementing the system
ISOFIX fastenings appeared not immediately in the machines. The first presentation of technology was held in 1990. It was then that the International Organization for Standardization this standard was introduced.
Result long work It became that in 1995 the fastenings of the ISOFIX type are entered in ECE R - 44. This is a set of rules for drivers and automotive companies. Despite all the works of human rights defenders only in 2006, the law comes out, which obliges each European car whose concept is being developed at the moment, to have a similar system.
Attention! 2011 was a turning point in implementing the ISOFIX fasteners. She became mandatory for each car made in Europe.
ISOFIX properties
Proper installation
The main feature of the ISOFIX fastening lies in the fact that the chair is impossible to correctly install. Designers of this product have done everything possible so that the installation is as comfortable as possible and simple.
The fact is that fixation by belt has many drawbacks, including:
- the ability to stretch the train not through that groove;
- probability of accidental shlek shlek;
- weak tension.
All this greatly reduces protective functions. As a result, the risk of injury increases. In turn, the ISOFIX fastening does not have all these flaws and provides reliable landing.
Attention! If you believe European statistics, then about 80% of parents are incorrectly used three-point straps when installing children's chairs.
ISOFIX fastening is good because thanks to him you can fix the chair either correctly or in any way. Now hurrying in the morning to work, you will not worry about whether the car seat was secured.
Safety
Thanks to the ISOFIX system, the reliability of fasteners increased many times. All due to the fact that the design is attached directly to the car body. The main element of the attachment is the loops that are welded to the metal frame.
Among the parents still there is an opinion that the ISOFIX fastening is not entirely safe for the child. It's all about the excessive rigidity that the structures are attributed.
In turn, chairs recorded with belts are attributed to less injury. It is believed that this is merit free travelwhich takes place to be while the belts will not stretch to the limit.
Nevertheless, if you take the experience of international standardization centers and laboratories, this theory does not withstand any criticism. As an example, it is best to take the latest crash tests with mannequins Hybrid III. They clearly demonstrated that the use of ISOFIX fastening seats in the design allows you to largely reduce the pressure on the neck during the collision.
Moreover, you can remember the rule that has long been invented in the environment of automotive engineers. In addition, they still enjoy the leading experts of all well-known companies: the effectiveness of ISOFIX holding systems depends on the stability of the seat.
Attention! Simply put, when a collision occurs, hard fixation guarantees the best passenger protection.
It should also be borne in mind that the belts of the children's car seat are designed taking into account the power of inertia. Thanks to this calculation, the inertia appears as a result of the movement of the body of the baby is absorbed due to the elasticity of the belts.
Location
Many drivers before buying a chair with ISOFIX fasteners, are wondering where this system is in the car? It is very important before purchasing a car seat, explore the car for the presence of the fixators you need.
ISOFIX fastenings are inside the passenger chairs themselves. To find them, it is sufficient to carefully examine the facial part of the seat. You need to look into the gap, which is located where the pillow and the back.
Tip! To check the car for the presence of the desired mounting elements, just shove your hand in the gap.
In almost all fastening cars for ISOFIX are in the same place. The main differences are to decorative elements that mask them. Very often fixing points are closed with a variety of caps and even locks.
Sometimes decorative plugs are used in designs. Nevertheless, all decorative elements, according to the standards existing in the automotive, are designated by special marks. For example, it can be an icon on which a child is drawn sitting in a car chair.
What disadvantages have an ISOFIX system
Despite the outstanding advantages of the safety of ISOFIX fastening are not devoid of their flaws. It is worth starting with the fact that the child cannot be attached to this chair, whose weight exceeds 18 kilograms.
A similar drawback is associated with a clear design calculation. Each element of the car seat can withstand only a certain load. If the weight of the child is more than 18 kilograms, then the attachments can break.
Because of this restriction, ISOFIX fasteners are provided by the seats from the one and zero category. For seats from other groups, the clamps are simply ineffective.
Another significant disadvantage is that according to the international ISO certification system, the weight of the chair itself should not exceed 15 kilograms. Of course, this very much limits the designers when developing new models. Nevertheless, for parents, especially for moms, it is rather plus.
The most significant drawback of the ISOFIX fasteners is that there is no single automobile Standard For chairs, which are installed systems. Due to the fact that the angle of inclination of pillows and their height can differ significantly, the passage of standardization is significantly complicated.
Additional fixation
In order to achieve better fixation of children's chairs with fasteners of ISOFIX can be equipped with additional devices. Most often, automotive designers use the following protection measures:
- telescopic emphasis,
- anchor mount.
Telescopic emphasis is also called "stubborn leg." It provides more hard fixation. The device is mounted directly to the children's seat platform. The device for its design resembles two tubes that are attached to the base.
Attention! The length of the tubes is set by the parent itself. It is necessary to make the design rests on the floor.
Telescopic emphasis in connection with ISOFIX fasteners provides much more hard fixation of the entire structure, which positively affects the safety of the child.
Anchor mount is a seat belt, whose bracket is adjacent to the floor, ceiling and back of the back. As a result, it turns out a kind of triangle that provides much more reliable fixation.
Each of these two elements, which goes as an addition to the ISOFIX system, is used to reduce the load on the attachment of the car seat. As a result, the possibility of the "nod" chairs is excluded. These two devices will largely stabilize the design, ensuring greater safety in the collision.
Video How to install a car seat with ISOFIX mounts:
RESULTS
Of course, the ISOFIX fastening system is tested throughout the world and is recommended for applying the most respected international standardization organizations. These fasteners ensure reliable fixation of the chair in the vehicle space.
ISOFIX, ISOFIX PLUS, ISOFIT, SEATFIX, KIDFIX, X-FIX, Latch, Top-Tether, V-Tether, "Support Leaga", anchor mount and similar systems were created and created mainly to increase the level of security during the transportation of the most important person In the world - your child.
What is ISOFIX, why is it needed and what errors are about him.
When young parents face the problem of choosing a children's car seat, they subtract many strange and "terrible" words, the meaning of which do not know anything, but they begin to believe that it is very necessary. I am talking about such terms as, ISOFIX (in various interpretations and with different addition plus additives and others), anchor mount, "foot" and others. Without dealing with the need, they start choosing with a strict solution that the word "Isofix" should be in the title of the chair.
Therefore, I decided that it was necessary to figure it out more about what it was and tell you.
What is Isofix?
This is a method (system) of a hard attachment of a children's car seat to the car. Isofix is \u200b\u200bconsidered an international standard for car manufacturers and car seats. The main advantage of this system is that it reduces the likelihood of incorrect installation of the chair, and also increases the degree of child protection. Without ISOFIX, about 70% of erroneous installations occurs. With the system of Isofix, you just need to correctly send and hook with click locks on the brackets that are in the car.
This system has two so-called brackets that are located at the base of the children's chair. They cling to the brackets of cars that are between the back and seat of the car's chair. Most often it is places behind the car and are on the right and left of the sofa.
What kind of children's car seats can I find ISOFIX?
This system applies to the group of 0+ groups and 1. Also universal chairs with the possibility of using these age groups are also equipped with isofixes. This includes the transportation of a child about 3-3.5 years and weighing up to 18 kg. And most importantly, such a chair must be their built-in internal seat belts. This is all taken into account with strict standards and other variations can not be.
In these groups, the car seat is found by a real ISOFIX, which takes all the power of the impact at an accident and holds the chair and child in place. It gives great advantages in safety and installation.
Consider ISOFIX for each individual group.
- Group 0+ (from 0 to 13 kg). Mostly, Isofix is \u200b\u200bnot in the cradle itself, and in the base for which this chair is put. These manufacturers try to achieve maximum convenience for parents and kids, because You will not have to remove the sleeping Chado from the chair, it is simply removed from the base and carry a child home in a carcossile cradle. This gives a great advantage over with a chair with belts, do not have every time again and again to deal with the installation of the chair, you just put it on the database and also removed with the handle or buttons.
The only drawback and inconvenience of such a variation is that the base is bought separately and as a rule, it is also worth the chair, or even more expensive. After the child grew up and the need to buy a car seat of the next group, the base for the new seating is no longer suitable (there is of course an exception, for example).
Group 1 (from 9 to 18 kg). This group of Isofix has built into the base of the chair itself (with the exception of the example written above).
- Universal chairs 0 + / 1. Here are more options. ISOFIX is also in the base of the chair. But due to the fact that such a car seat should be installed and on the contrary, there are nuances. Isofix can only be operated for a group of 0+, or a chair can be rotated to change the installation direction, or the chair can generally turn over all 180 degrees, which makes it possible to conveniently plant and plant a child (for example, such a chair).
There are also several additional fasteners that increase safety. But many do not understand what it is for what they need and generally need. Let's see what "foot" and TOP TETHER.
Due to the fact that Isofix is \u200b\u200ba fastening at two points on one axis, with some options, an accident arises the need for the third point of the support so that there is no shift of the chair forward. For this, two types of extra support came up with:
- "Leg". This is a sliding stop in the floor (telescopic "foot"), which is in front of the chair. It reduces the load on isofix and prevents the displacement of the chair during the rotation of the car.
- Anchor mount Top Tether. It looks like an additional original belt that comes out behind the top of the car seat. He has a carabiner at the end, which is fixed in the bracket in the car (it is either in the camp of the trunk, or for the second number of the seats of the car). Now new cars produce with a special place for this fastening.
By the way, I have a review-overview of the chair in which the "foot" Top Tether is used.
Since ISOFIX assumes large loads, it is not allowed to apply it with more than 18 kg. Also, the chair with this system should not weigh more than 15 kg.
There are such car seats that can be installed with isofix without a third point of the support, but only with specific cars (the list is usually attached to children's seat And he is pretty big).
"Isofix" and group 2-3 (for children from 3 years, 15-36 kg)
In this age group, this is not the "Isofix", which I described above. Due to the fact that the real ISOFIX cannot be used to achieve a certain weight, the child together with the car seat of the group 2-3 is fitted with regular belts, and the so-called "Isofix" is called other words-derivatives - "Isofit", "Kidfix", etc. .
It is considered a compatible fastening method, since the main security feature is performed by a regular belt. Therefore, the chair should be able to move forward with a sharp braking, so that the belt worked and retained the child in place. And "Isofix" would not have given such an opportunity, so other special designs came up with an opportunity to move forward. And it is for the same reason that the "foot" and the Top-Tether belt does not occur in this group.
What is the point in this then? Yes, a special safety load in group 2-3 this system does not bear. But, there is positive sides: limits the displacement of the chair in the side collision; It is more convenient to plant a child, since the chair is stable; No need to fit the chair with belts, if you eat without a child.
How does ISOFIX work in universal car seats of group 1-2-3?
Many want to buy a super universal option to have enough for a long time, it was economically and convenient and necessarily with ISOFIX. But there is in this group with such a "snag" system. Isofix can not work at all the groups, for the same reason, as described above. There were attempts to create such a universal chair at the Romer, but, alas, did not come around. For group 1 in such a chair, isofix performs its function, but for groups 2 and 3 it is exclusively decorative function.
There is a chair of this group with safety tables and isofixes. IN this caseFor group 1 ISOFIX fixes a chair in a car, but basic safety provides a table, and for group 2-3, everything is all the incidence of regular safety belts, which are fastened by the child and armchair and here isofix again does not carry the active burden.
I begin to appear options for universal car seats with built-in safety belts and isofixes that are suitable for all groups immediately. But for the most part, test drives have not been carried out on these models.
There are also an option from America, the so-called Latch. It differs from Isofix in that instead of metal brackets auto, the chair is attached by straps with latches. But they were not held necessary tests, Therefore, it remains to rely only on the tests of the manufacturers themselves at your own risk.
Let some delusions about Isofix:
- The first and most common misconception - "Car seat with Isofix is \u200b\u200bsafer".
I think many are already clear from the article that for the group 0+ and 1 it is true, and for the rest of the groups it is not. For them, isofixes does not carry any safety load.
Of course, the chairs of the bands of 0+ and 1 with ISOFIX when carrying out crash tests show high results, although there are exceptions. And we must not forget that the quality of safety depends not only on the use of this system, but also from a number of other qualities inherent in the car seat that can provide additional protection.
- To the second delusion can be attributed, the fact that some believe that isofix is \u200b\u200bmore dangerous due to the rigid fastening than fastening the car's belt, since the belt works not sharply and can stretch a little, so it turns out a smaller load on the child.
A lot of tests have been conducted on this and they show an absolutely reverse result. Therefore, this is a great misconception.
Here I still want to add that if the chair has a good strap retasing, then the chair shows best result On tests, as there is a smaller load on the child.
Let's summarize:
- ISOFIX is an excellent invention that gives a greater degree of child protection;
- This system is much reduced by the likelihood of incorrect installation, which again significantly improves safety;
- Isofix affects safety only in the group 0+ and 1, in other groups it gives the convenience of installation and operation;
- Not all car seats with Isofix are equally safe, so be sure to see crash tests;
- There is no full-fledged isofix from the "universal" car seats (group 1-2-3);
- For many models of group 0+ and 1, the third point of the support is required.
I hope this article helped you understand the necessary system as ISOFIX and dispelled many errors. Right to you choose, friends!
ISOFIX (International Standards Organization Fix) is a fastening system developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The purpose of this standard is to make the installation of children's car seats fast, simple and reliable.
The main feature of the ISOFIX system is that it does not require the use of car belts for the installation of children's car seats. The chair, with the help of a pair of special built-in locks on pull-out clauses, is attached to metal hinges (anchors), which are in the seat of the car and are rigidly connected to the body.
Scheme of the fastening system isofix. 1 - Stoles with locks, 2 - Guide tab, 3 - loops.
ISOFIX - eliminates the error of the installation of the car seat.
The goal of the developers iSOFIX systems Provide universal for all cars fastening and easy to use it. And the most important thing is to minimize the possibility of installing a car seat. After all, if the fixation is carried out using a seat belt, it is random, it is possible to twist, not to skip it through that groove, weakly tighten, etc., which will strongly reduce the protective functions of the car seat or, even, will reduce them to zero. European statistics show - 70-80% of parents are not correctly fixed children's seats with a three-point strap! Isofix system is deprived of these shortcomings. And because the main feature of the car seat with such a fastening is that they can be fixed either correctly either.
ISOFIX - safe mount.
Armchairs Equipped with ISOFIX are tightly attached to the car body, which makes the seat more stable in the process of collision.
ISOFIX loops are welded to the car body (marked with red arrows) There is an erroneous opinion that such a tough attachment is dangerous for a child. And, allegedly, armchairs with belt fixation are less traumatic, due to the free move until the car belt is completely tensioning. Numerous experiments refute this theory. In particular, the crash tests with a new generation of Hybrid III mannequins have shown that the ISOFIX chairs provide significantly smaller loads on the neck. This is a consequence of the rule for long known specialists in the field passive security: The more stable the seat in the process of the collision, the faster the retaining systems begin to act, the better passengers are protected. In addition, the inner belts of the car seat (which is held by the child) is designed with such a calculation so that the inertia of the kid's movement is absorbed at their own elastic deformation and therefore, in general, the entire security system of the child is quite elastic.
Where is ISOFIX?
Before you buy an armchair with Isofix, you need to make sure that the appropriate attachment in the car. ISOFIX loops for which the children's car seat is attached are located in the passenger seats of the car, from the front side, in the slot between the pillow and the back. It is enough just to squeeze the hand there to grope them.
The location of the fastening of Isofix in the car and some varieties of its design. The loops can be closed with decorative locks and lids (lower right image) In some models of machines, loops can be hidden with decorative plugs. Usually, the presence of the appropriate attachment is denoted by a round icon where the child is depicted in the car seat.
Restrictions and disadvantages of the ISOFIX system.
The main limitation of ISOFIX is a child's weight that cannot exceed 18 kg. This is due to the fact that with hard impact on the loops and other parts of the system there are huge loads, and their strength is not limitless. Therefore, ISOFIX equip the seats of group 0 and 1, and in older chairs the system no longer performs retaining functions, and serves only for comfort. In addition, according to the ECE R 44/04 standard, the mass of the car seat with ISOFIX should not be more than 15 kg.
Another disadvantage is the existence of the problem of "non-consistency." Although ISOFIX fastening itself is standardized, there are no uniform standards for the rear armchairs of the car (their height, the angle of inclination of the pillows, etc.). That is why the seats with ISOFIX must be checked and approved for each specific model.
You may have already encountered such a concept as ISOFIX. We will try in detail and clearly tell me what is this type of fastening, which is its advantages and disadvantages.
ISOFIX fastening in the car
The ISOFIX fastening in the car is two metal staples located between the back and the seat of the car sofa. Staples are located on the standard for all car seats width. With their help, a children's car seat, which has response built-in mounts, is rigidly attached to the car body. ISOFIX fasteners enters basic complete set Most modern cars.
Usually, the fastening of ISOFIX is equipped with two extreme rear seats, but there are cars in which the mount is on all passenger seats. As a rule, the placement of fasteners in cars is marked with plastic guides, or a flag with the inscription ISOFIX or a plastic icon. Sometimes the ISOFIX mount is not indicated and hidden under the car's sofa. In this case, you can find it yourself or explore the instructions for your car.
ISOFIX fastening location in children's car seats
In all age groups of children's car seats are found various methods Fastening. Some chairs are fastened only with the help of a car belt, and the ISOFIX mount is not provided in them, in others it is combined with a belt and ISOFIX fastening, the autolvets of the group of 0+ can be attached both by the car belt and on the appropriate database. There are car seats that are attached only using the ISOFIX base.
Some manufacturers produce databases for a group of 0+ autolvela, and the car seat can be attached to the same base. Car seats of Group 1 (from 9 months to 4 years old) have built-in ISOFIX fastening and mandatory additional elements: focusing in the floor or anchor mount Top Tether. An exception is some car seats that can be fixed only by the ISOFIX fastening.
"Anchor mount", or TOP TETHER - is the third bracket (in addition to ISOFIX fasteners), which, depending on the type of body, is located on the rear shelf of the car behind the head restraint, or in the backs rear seatsOr in the floor of the trunk or on the ceiling. The presence of this attachment in the car is designated in the form of a child in a children's holding device with an anchor behind the back of the chair.
Pop floor
Emphasis in the floor is usually embedded in the base of the children's car seat or a special base. For some chairs, it is purchased separately. Fastening a car seat with a support foot is more versatile, as not all cars are equipped with anchor fastening.
The main task of the stop in the floor and Top Tether is to reduce the load on the basic elements of the attachment of the children's holding device, eliminate the nod of the chair at the front collision of the car and increase the level of security.
As for the fastening of the car session of the group 2/3 (from 15 to 36 kg), here the main load lies on the car belt, which the child is attached together with the chair, and Isofix is \u200b\u200ban auxiliary fastening, and its use is optional.
Analogs of fastening isofix
ISOFIX fastening has analogues, for example, American Latch. In the car, these are the same two brackets, and in the chair are straps with carbines, which are attached to the brackets.
4.6
/
16
