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Car seats with Holding system isofix. What is ISOFIX fastening? Elements of additional fixation

20.10.2019

What is better to choose - car seats with isofix or simple designs with conventional belts? The above question most often concerns the responsible parents who are in the search for the very safe way For the transport of a child in a car. We will try to clarify this situation, considering the main advantages and disadvantages of the car seat with

What constitutes

ISOFIX technology corresponds to generally accepted European standards for fastening children's chairs in cars. During the installation, the latter are connected directly to the vehicle body. It disappears the need for applying to ensure the kids complete safety during movement, it suffices to fix the car seat with isofixes using a special fastener located in the rear seat.

IN last years The technology is increasingly taken by the domestic manufacturers of vehicles. Therefore, today such systems can be seen in the basic configuration of the most numerous machines.

Reliability

A car seat up to 36 kg of isofix is \u200b\u200bstill connected to a rigid car frame, providing reliable user fixation in a static position. Thus, with a sharp stop of the machine, the departure of a child armchair in the front direction is completely excluded and the risk of injury is reduced accordingly.

Additional fixation

Users who are a little connected chairs with a car frame, are offered hard stops that provide an additional fixation of the design to the floor. The mount is a kind of "foot", which is connected to the scene at the base and limits its movement in any directions.

Easy mounting

The next advantage that is different from an isofix car seat (9-36 kg) is the lack of problems with the installation. As practice shows, the bulk of the damage that children receive in the event of an accident caused by the displacement of the seat, fixed by the basic belts.

Installation of car seat with isofixes eliminates error assumptions and as a result - incorrect triggering of elements that are responsible for safety in extreme situations. Proper installation The designs of this type can be categorized 90% of users who face similar systems for the first time. The remaining 10% of cases of incorrect installation occur on consumers who had to deal with

Driver safety

Since the sacchairs with the isofix system are automatically snapped into the attachments, the driver does not have to remember, he fastened to the children's seat before the trip or not. This moment is extremely important, since even the easiest, empty chair, which flies in the head of the car owner in the event of an accident, can cause the most serious injuries.

Design

Before moving to the disadvantages of the car seat with the system, it is worth noting that the most of them resemble capsules, which are used by the Formula 1 races, rather than design for children. In addition to the connection with the car frame, there are therefore there are therefore fixing the child occurs directly to the chair. And this contributes to the scattering of energy, which occurs in the case of sharp braking and, accordingly, reduces the load that you have to experience a young passenger.

Disadvantages of seats with ISOFIX system

Like any other products, car seats with isofixes (9-36 kg) has its own minuses:

  1. Isofix acts as hard fastening. Therefore, any serious collision causes sufficiently high loads on the cervical spine of the baby, fixed in the chair.
  2. If there is such an armchair, the motorist is forced to endure extra inconvenience if the machine is needed.
  3. If the family has several vehiclesYou have to resort to additional waste on their equipment fastening ISOFIX.
  4. Any car seat (15-36) isofix is \u200b\u200bheavier for about 25-30% of ordinary beds with belt fasteners.
  5. The obvious minus of the designs of this type is enough high price. The price of such products compared to armchairs, where there are no ISOFIX mounts, 50-60% higher. Therefore, highly reliable systems of the European sample turn out to be on the pocket not every concerned consumer.

Finally

As can be seen, the deficiencies in children with the ISOFIX system are significantly less compared to the advantages that the user receives during the operation of such structures. The most important advantage of such systems is the highest level of security, which is ensured by the child during vehicle movement.

Statistics show that with automotive accidents, even minor, children most often suffer from passengers. The reason is that seats, as well as safety facilities are designed for growth, proportions and physiological features of an adult.

In this regard, the rules road Requirements for car equipment with special removable seats for children were introduced. In Russia, the penalty for their absence was introduced into traffic rules since 2007.

There are the following gradations of children's seats: 0; 0+; one; 2 and 3. They correspond to:

  1. "0" - children up to six months, weighing up to 10 kg.
  2. "0+" - up to a year and 13 kg.
  3. "1" - from 9 months. up to 13 years and weighing up to 18 kg.
  4. 2 and 3 suggest the weight of the child, respectively, 15-25 kg, and 22-36 kg, at the age of 3 to 7 and from 6 to 13 years.

Initially, children's chairs in the car were recorded by conventional safety belts. By the end of the 90s, special fastening of Isofix was created. In the Russian Federation, the obligation to apply this system was confirmed by the editors of PDDs from 28.06.2017 (clause 22.9)

The name is a combination of several concepts. The first syllable is the abbreviation of the name of the European standard ISO (fully "International Standards Organization" or the International Organization of Standardization). The second is a reduction from the English "Fixation" - fixation.

The mechanism is two rigid bracket with latches. The mount occurs automatically, disconnecting using the button located at the base of the bracket.

The cluster fact is confirmed by a characteristic click. In addition, additional confirmation is provided in the form of a shift in the red curtain light indicator window.

Reliable pairing of latches with car body provide two steel brackets. On most new cars, this is part of the body itself, mounted on the power frame when assembling. It is possible to install a bracket and as a separate element, for which the holes for fastening bolts leave.

On the benefits of the system

When fastening with belts, it was often that belts are twisted, not securely fixed. This led to severe consequences: the chair broke off, traumating the child, even with non-soles. Such cases were observed even with the usual braking of the car.

ISOFIX child seat fastening system provides reliable installation, creating a number of additional benefits:

  • preventing the displacement of the chair during lateral load when the blow is not in the course of the movement, but from the side;
  • rigid fixation directly to the power set of car;
  • convenient installation and removal of the chair in a matter of minutes;
  • the presence of a control indication that excludes the latch latch.
  • the ability to carry a child directly in the cradle that is fixed on the seat (chair with a separate base)

The latter option provides an additional retractable support that reliably insures children's seat from tipping.

Is there any deficiencies in the ISOFIX system

As no magnet only with one pole, so the advantages of the most best Systems Have a turnover of restrictions and disadvantages. ISOFIX fastening is no exception, there is a cons:

  1. Limit by weight of 18 kg. Accordingly, the attachments of this type for categories from the second and higher as independent are not allowed.
  2. High cost, especially in systems with a separate base.
  3. When installing the chair, care must be taken, moving the brackets as careful. An awkward movement leads to damage to the seating.
  4. No possibility of installing isofixes on front seat cars. This is hampered by the principle of a rigidly fixed bracket. If the retainer is still manufactured by the owner itself, the front chair loses the ability to adjust.

The last item is relevant for systems like lugs, categories 0, 0+, etc. Installation of conventional chairs on the front seats are not allowed by traffic rules.

Good to know

The cradle for kids with the fastening of isofixes, if necessary, can be placed on the front seats. They are attached to regular safety belts in the opposite position of the movement. At the same time, traffic rules requires a passenger seat airbag.

Some experts are inclined to refer to the disadvantages of the seats of Isofix type their own weight. Indeed, systems with a separate base can exceed 10 kg. However, it is obvious that the mass of an adult exceeds the severity of any children's seats; Including the weight of the child himself.

Where to buy and how to choose a car seat with ISOFIX

By purchasing a chair, find out if I isofix cars; For example, in Hyundai Solaris of the release until 2004 there are no such fasteners. If this is your case, the acquired armchair cannot be installed.

To buy a car session, approach extremely scrupulously. Unfortunately, not all stores offer a fairly quality product. Therefore, to make such a responsible and expensive purchase better in specialized solid outlets.

By purchasing goods through an online store, ideally, it is worth contacting the warehouse or showroom of the company. Here you can make sure that the device meets the declared parameters, and its mechanisms work normally.

In this case, preference must be given to certified devices with the corresponding marking. It should indicate the number, as well as the country issued certificate. Its presence implies a mandatory test model with crash tests and high level security.

Pay attention to the following. Safety belt for children can have a mount in three or five points. The last type is less convenient, but distributes the load on the larger area. What is preferable, especially for kids to two or three years.

How to use the fastening of isofix in the car

ISOFIX fastening seats, represents some difficulty only when you first get acquainted.

Before starting the installation, it is necessary to find the locations of the brackets. They can be located, both perfectly open and hide behind the plugs or decorative linings with the symbolic image of a children's chair.

Before mounting an ISOFIX mounting plugs remove. After that, having put forward brackets with latches, insert them into the grooves. It is necessary to follow, so as not to climb the lock or the rear seat belt ribbon.

A trigger confirmation is the characteristic click, as well as the change of the color of the indicator curtains.

In most models, armchairs brackets are extended. It is carried out by the rotation of a special drum by moving the chair itself with pressing the corresponding lever, etc. Using the method specified in the instructions, shift the chair to the back of the seat up to the stop. At the same time, the latch buttons are blocked from accidentally pressing. Installation of the chair is completed.

Features of the fastening of the chair to 13 kg

The type of seats relating to 0 or 0+ provide for the placement of a child in a removable cradle. To fix it in the rear seat, the installation of a separate base is provided.

The base has a folding support rack with which the ISOFIX system fixes the chair on the rear seats at three points.

Fixing the latches on the brackets and the base foot paw in the same way as when attaching a normal chair, is confirmed by the appearance of a green curtain on the indicators of the mechanisms.

The chair is put on the fixed base. At the same time, the child can already be in it. The latch is triggered, after which the lever is rotated, which serves simultaneously for carrying the cradle. In this case, the latch is fixed that the green indicator will again confirm again.

To remove the seat, you need to turn the handle again, freeing the latch by clicking on a special handle and remove the crib.

An idea of \u200b\u200binstalling a base, gives video:

Designs from 9 to 18 kg

This type of seats can be performed in an option with a base, or without it. An anchor strap is an anchor strap in the second case. On the one hand, it is attached to the back of a children's chair, on the other he clings to the latch located at the head restraint of the car seat, on his rear back, or in luggage compartment cars.

More information about this can tell the video:

With sharp braking, including front collision, the belt will not give the chair to tip over, even if the latches will not stand the load from below.

Car seats from 9 to 36 kg

The fastening of the chairs designed for this weight of the child, according to the law, must be accompanied by additional fixation. For her, as a rule, they use regular vessel seat belts.

Make it easy. After ISOFIX pins fit with brackets, the chair is lifted. Belts are breeding behind the back, attaching in the castles and are delayed, reliably pressing the children's chair to the seat.

Car seat from 15 to 36 kg

This type of seats refers to the third category by load. Along with ordinary chairs, the installation of which we were told above, the so-called "boosters" belong to this category. This is a special kind of children's seats with ISOFIX fasteners for defensives, the growth of which exceeds 95 cm.

Bunders are attached to isofix, without any additional devices. But the insurance of a small passenger is performed by the regular seat belts of the rear seat. The chair solves two security tasks:

  1. Insures a passenger from lateral displacement when hitting.
  2. Provides the optimal location of the child's body relative to the belts designed for an adult passenger.

The second point is designed to prevent the "slipping" of the child from the belts, which often leads to tragic consequences.

In which machines there is an ISOFIX fastening

The fastening system of children's seats along the type of hard latch was created at the end of the last century. However, it applies to the European standard, so so far is not used far from all models of cars.

Below is a table, a list of what machines are ISOFIX, and where it is missing.



If there is no ISOFIX in the car

If the fastening of the ISOFIX children's seats in the car is not provided, it is possible to establish brackets yourself, or in the car repair shop. For this, it is necessary to purchase a set of appropriate spare parts, which includes a plank with brackets, fastening bolts and nuts.

Armchairs, equipped with isofix, are able to fasten with regular safety belts. For this, there are special guides on their frame. As a rule, for ease of use, they differ in color from the rest of the set.

Obviously, it makes no sense to acquire the armchair of Isofix to then cast them with belts. But this opportunity will be useful if for some reason you go with the baby on someone else's car. For example - a taxi.

Conclusion

Child safety, not the category of values \u200b\u200bto which it is possible to relate frivolous. Along with the systems described, there are plenty of other, much cheaper. Choosing them, you need to remember that thereby you reduce the chances of your baby for a prosperous outcome in the case of force majeure.

If you are standing in front of the choice, what kind of children's car seat to buy your child, what the system of fastening the chair in the car is to choose, what is the difference between and what are ISOFIX, Latch fastening, "anchor" fastening, etc.? What manufacturers have armchairs with these fasteners? Which manufacturers are presented on russian market? We will try to help you figure it out.

Today, there are three main types of fastening of a children's chair in a car: regular car seat belts, with ISOFIX fastening system, with Latch fastening system, as well as in what age groups they are applied. Also, for tougher fixation of the chair and the exceptions "Kleva" at the time emergency brakingAdditionally, the "anchor" type or telescopic fastening can be applied to the floor of the car located on the car seat platform.

To date, most children's retaining devices are designed for fixing by a regular car seat belt, which is a universal attachment method. But with the tightening of child safety requirements in the car, all manufacturers of the car seat constantly improve the design of the seats and the mining of fixation to achieve higher safety indicators, additionally applying the above systems. Our main task as users, fasten the chairs for children in strict accordance with the attached instructions for it.

Basion Types of fastening

  1. Regular car seat belts
    Fastening the children's holding device with regular car seat belts can be divided into two types:
  • fixation of the safety belt of the car of the most children's car seats (its housing) to the seat of the car, and the consolidation of the child is produced in it using three or five-point seat belts directly children's chair (used for groups of groups 0, 0+, 1).,
  • fixation of a child's safety belt together with a children's retaining device (used for groups of groups 2, 3, boosters).
  • ISOFIX Children's Fastening System

    In 1990, international ISO standardization organizations introduced a single standard for fastening children's car seats in ISOFIX cars, and since 1995, the ISOFIX fastening system was officially awarded to the editorial office of ECE R Rules - 44. Since 2006, a law on the mandatory placement of the fastening system has entered into force in Europe. ISOFIX in newly developed car models, and since 2011 in all manufactured European cars.

    ISOFIX fastening system in the car consists of : Two metal brackets rigidly fixed to the car body at a distance of 280 mm from each other located between the back and pillow of the car's rear seat in the places of regular passengers. As a rule, the placement of the brackets is indicated by the inscription ISOFIX, as well as the image of the child in the autolo. The presence or absence of an ISOFIX fastening system in the car is recommended to be clarified in the operating manual or in the car dealership where the car was purchased.

    The ISOFIX children's car seat fastening system consists of: Two guide, rigidly installed at the base of the power frame of a children's chair or its platform (bases) located on a conservation 280 mm from each other and mounted on them mechanisms of fixation to the brackets of the car.

    The main area of \u200b\u200bapplication of the "Isofix" attachment is a car selection of groups of 0+ and 1, where the child is fixed by the safety belts of the car seat, and are calculated on the weight of the child to 18 kg., In the rest of the age group, this mount is an auxiliary system, and children are fixed by regular car safety belts.

  • Fastening system of children's car seat LACH

    Fig. one

    There is analogue european system ISOFIX fastenings - American Latch.. The difference of which in the use of belts with the mounting mechanism to Latch brackets (Fig. 1), and not guides.

    Fig. 2.

    The car seats equipped with the LACH mounting system have the ability to fasten and to the brackets of the "Isofix" system (Fig. 2). Since 2002, this mount is mandatory for American manufacturers of both cars and children's chairs.

  • Elements of additional fixation


    The main task of a stubborn "leg" and "anchor" fastening is to reduce the load on the basic elements of fastening the children's holding device, eliminate the possibility of the "quive" of the chair at the front collision of the car and increase the level of security in the collision.

    The main advantages of ISOFIX and LACH fastening systems

    1. Hard fastening of the chair to the car body.
    2. ISOFIX and LACH fasteners minimize the possibility incorrect installation Children's chair in the car.
    3. Eliminates the possibility of "diving" of the car seat under the safety belt in emergency braking or collision.
    4. Easy installation and removal of the chair. To install, you only need to fix the guides in the brackets and press before engaging the locks (there are two clicks), and unlock locks for removing.
    5. Fixing chairs ISOFIX and LACH past numerous crash tests have shown higher assessments in the safety of children in the car, compared to conventional car seats.

    ISOFIX children's fastening system has won great popularity among motorists.

    In most cases, it is compatible with other Latch, X-Fix, SeatFix, V-Tether, Top-Tether, but also has its own design features.

    In which machines there is an ISOFIX system - the history of its introduction

    The International Organization of Standardization In the 90th year of the last century introduced a single ISO standard for the fixation system (fastening) of the ISOFIX children's car seat. These standards were reflected in the editorial board of ECE R-44 in 1995 and, starting from the 96th year, in European countries it became mandatory to enter the car rigidly connected with the bodies of the auto fastening staples, located at a distance of 280 millimeters, to those developed from this year. Cars.

    These connectors should be located between the pillow rear seats Both the back, designate the inscription "ISOFIX" and the image of the cradle. Since 2011, the rules have become mandatory for all cars sold and manufactured in the European Union.

    What is the fastening of Isofix and its design features

    To ensure the possibility of attaching an ISOFIX car seat design of a car seat chairs should provide for the presence of two metal brackets placed at a standard distance from each other. This fastener is included in basic complete set motor vehiclesmanufactured since 2006. Fastening sites are usually indicated by the inscription ISOFIX.

    As a rule, the fastening of Isofix is \u200b\u200bequipped with two rear extreme seats, on some cars they are on all seats.

    In any case, before buying a car seat should be carefully examined by all plantingSince they can be placed hidden, and can not always be denoted by the corresponding information signs, especially in cases where the upholstery of the chairs changed.

    In some models of cars, these can be buttons with pictograms.

    In children's car seats, elements of fastening of isofixes can be located on different sides. Before buying a car seat with an ISOFIX fastening, you need to get acquainted how it will be located in the car.

    Options are possible using additional structural elements. These can be options for the "stop in the floor" or Top Tether, "anchor" fasteners.

    "Anchor" Top Tether fasteners assumes the presence of an additional fastening element (brackets). Sometimes it is located in the region of the trunk, the backs of the seats, even on the ceiling. The brackets are located secretly, they can be found according to the appropriate notation with the "Anchor" icon.

    Option "Pop floor" is more versatile and reliable. First, some cars are not equipped with additional braces for an anchor option. Secondly, the presence of an additional stop in the floor increases the reliability of the structure, reduces the ability to overturn the structure in a collision.

    Sometimes additional emphasis can be purchased separately. It has adjustment in height, since various seats have different landing heights.

    Features of application

    ISOFIX is used in children's car seats 0+, 1 and 2/3 groups. When serving children weighing from 15 to 36 kg, such a mount is an auxiliary means. The main load at the same time should be provided with regular car safety belts.

    Safety belts in car seats are missing. A child is fastened by a regular car seat belt system.

    It would seem why then use an ISOFIX fastening in this group? The fact is that when hitting the side, it significantly reduces the side displacement of the child. With a frontal collision, the children's car seat moves along the fastening of Isofix, accompanying the child up to the start of the triggering of regular safety belts, providing a "circular protection" of the child.

    In group 0+, ISOFIX is a two-component system consisting of a base on which the main elements of fastening and cradle-carrying are located. These two components can be purchased separately if the design elements are standardized. In some models, when switching a child from one weight category to another, you can not change the basic system (for example, Maxi-COSI).

    The base can be performed in various versions.

    It is very convenient for parents of babies. The cradle is usually small in size and mass. In it, you can, without waking up a child, bring it into the car and, accordingly, pick up from it without performing complex fasteners.

    A feature of the design of 0 and 1 group is that ISOFIX has built-in seat belts. Fastening with regular car seat belts is not required. This imposes 100% responsibility to the ISOFIX construction and, above all, on:

    • mechanical mounting to regular car brackets;
    • construction of fixing base-cradle;
    • reliability of built-in seat belts;
    • strength of stop.

    Therefore, to acquire a children's car seat should only have proven official manufacturers and dealers. The "left" car seat can reduce the degree of child protection.

    In children's systems 0 + / 1, it is sometimes used a more convenient swivel bowl, since more older children prefer the front location of the inspection area, while for parents it is more convenient to care for child care.

    The presence of the 3rd point of the support is mandatory for group 1 according to the ECE R44 / 04 rules, since there are tremendous efforts during the frontal impact of the car seat. In some designs, for example, Romer Versafix, an additional support is missing.

    This is compensated by a special moving design that redirects the strength of the downward down, that is, on the regular design of the car seat. But it is impossible to install such a children's car seat for all cars equipped with ISOFIX system.

    You must familiarize yourself with the instructions attached to the ROMER VERSAFIX, which provides a list of compatible auto models. In general, it should be carefully taken to buying a children's car seat, its compatibility with the design of the car, as the question is about the safety of your child.

    Other Analogs

    American analogue ISOFIX - Latch system. In the car there are brackets for attaching a car seat. In the children's chair there are straps with carbines, which are fastened to brackets.

    Thus, the main difference of the Latch system is a moving belt connection with a children's car seat. A higher degree of mobility during the collision increases the likelihood of the side movements of the child, respectively, injury.

    In practice, it is more convenient when installing and removing, when small shuffles Due to mobility compensates for accelerator load.

    In Canada, use the UAS standard (Universal Anchorage System), otherwise Canfix. It is also compatible with the ISOFIX system, but has a greater than the European degree of mobility.

    Advantages and disadvantages of ISOFIX fastening

    The advantages of the system include:

    • baby car seat is mechanically connected to the car body, and not with its seat;
    • simplicity and definition of fastening to body elements of the car design;
    • minimization of car seat displacement side shock;
    • full compliance with modern safety standards.

    Disadvantages (rather, minuses) of the system;

    • higher cost compared to other systems;
    • the ability to install only on cars equipped with appropriate mounting brackets;
    • on some models, the installation of the ISOFIX chairs is difficult.

    conclusions

    1. If your car is equipped with ISOFIX brackets, the children's chair unambiguously should be compatible with this system.
    2. Before the purchase specific model Child Chair carefully inspect the car's salon to use the "anchor" system of fastening. Carefully read the instructions for the car seat, make sure it is compatible with your car model.
    3. Provide the universality of the use of fastening, the possibility of applying for various groups, various landing options.
    4. Do not acquire "left" models. Remember - it's about the safety of the baby!
    ISOFIX, ISOFIX Plus, Isofit, Seatfix, Kidfix, X-Fix, Latch, Top-Tether, V-Tether, "Support Leaga", anchor mount - I know these and many other terrible words! The word Isofix became so popular in itself that now almost every call to the children's car seat is accompanied by the phrase "the chair should be with ISOFIX." In this article, let's try to figure out what isofix is \u200b\u200bin children's car seats, where when and why it is applied and why.

    What is ISOFIX?

    Let's start with a banal. ISOFIX is a system of hard attachment of car seat to the car body. ISOFIX is an international standard for all car manufacturers and children's car seats. It minimizes the likelihood of an error when installing a car seat and improves protective properties. The main purpose, after all, is to eliminate the ability to install the chair incorrectly (up to 70% of installations occurs with errors). After all, here you just need to correctly send the brackets and snap the locks on the brackets of the opposite part in the car.

    Isofix is \u200b\u200btwo salads (2 brackets) at the base of the car seat, which with the help of special rods are snapped around the bracket in the car located between the back and the seat of the automotive chairs. Almost always in a place of place, equipped with brackets for the installation of a children's car seat, ISOFIX are located at the right and left of the sofa (although there are exceptions).
    To explain in detail the snap-down system and the ISOFIX device in car seats and the car will not, because On the Internet, it is full of such information, and its practical value in terms of the choice of car seats for its Chad is extremely small.

    What car seats apply isofix?

    Now important. Isofix is \u200b\u200ba fastening used in groups of 0+ and 1, as well as in children's car seats - combinations of these groups. Those. For children weighing up to 18 kg (about 3-3.5 years old). And only in chairs in which the child is fixed with internal straps.
    EVERYTHING. List of exhaustive And, as I already wrote, hard standardized.

    It is in these groups that we encounter a normal, real, power isofix, which keeps the chair and attached to the internal belts of the child. It is in car seats of groups 1 and 0+, he assumes all the energy of the strike in the event of an accident. It is here that he gives all its advantages and in the simplicity of installation and safe.


    In group 0+ (children's car seats from birth to 13 kg)
    Isofix is \u200b\u200bnot applied in the children's chairs themselves, representing cradle-carrying, and in special bases that some such crackers can be installed. Pluses are obvious - we transfer the baby in a light cradle, put it at home, taking off the sleeping machine. And at the same time, there is no need for a cramped salon every time "conclusions" over a regular belt to secure the car seat. They put on the base, pressed - the chair is installed. Pressed the button or pulled the handle - the chair is free and you can carry the baby home. Safety, too, is usually better.
    The minus is real one - the base of Isofix costs about as much as the chair itself under it (which in turn, as a rule, is more expensive than the chair that cannot be installed on such a base). In 95% of the models, the Base of Isofix can be thrown out / sell at the end of the use of group 0+. Although there are exceptions where the base goes into group 1, but such models, especially safe in both groups, are not very much (the example of MAXI COSI PEBBLE, etc.).

    In car seats of group 1 (9-18 kg)The ISOFIX brackets are usually embedded in the base of the car seat itself (in the M-shaped part).

    Although there are a number of models that are simply the top, which is put on the base from the group 0+ (example - Maxi Cosi Pearl et al.).

    In the combined car seats of group 0 + / 1 with the system of Isofix (Now there are more and more these) - also built into the base of the car seat itself. But since the chair can be placed both against the stroke, and along the way, then everything is more complicated. Either Isofix is \u200b\u200bused only in the group 0+ (HTS Besafe Izi Combi), or the chairs bowl can be rotated to change the installation direction (Maxi Cosi Milofix). Either generally a turning bowl is 180 degrees, including a passenger landing and disembarking (Romer Dualfix, Cybex Sirona).

    What kind of "foot" or focus on the floor on the part of the car seat, which prevents the bag with potatoes in the feet in the child? And what is some anchor strap Top Tether? Maybe better without him?

    Isofix is \u200b\u200bessentially a fastening of 2 points on one axis. And it is for this axis that a colossal rotational moment occurs at an accident. In this case, a large load is created on the elements of the ISOFIX system themselves and besides, there is a dangerous shift in front of the chair with a child.
    Therefore, it is necessary in the third point of the support. And it happens two types.

    First view -retractable focus on the floor in the form of a telescopic "leg" coming out of the base of the car seat. Removes in the floor and thus prevents the rotation and reduces the load on the brackets.

    Second view - Anchor mount Top Tether. This is a special belt leaving from top of the children's car seat with a carabium at the end. This carbine is fixed for a special bracket in the car, located, most often, either in the trunk floor, or behind the head restraint of the rear car chairs. This type Fastenings are considered universal, all new cars are being developed with a place under Top Tether and in the near future, any car will be equipped with them.

    Due to the fact that the ISOFIX fastening system assumes huge loads in the event of an accident, ECE R44 / 04 rules are strictly regulated by its application. For this reason, the chairs with the ISOFIX system cannot weigh more than 15 kg, and it can only be used until the weight of the child is 18 kg.

    There are separate models that can be attached to ISOFIX without 3 points of support. For example, ROMER VERSAFIX. This is achieved at the expense of the special mobile design of the ISOFIX guides, which allows you to redirect the load down. But this method of fastening is not universal and install the chair in this way you can only make sure that your car is in the list of compatible, attached to the car seat. Justice for the sake, there is probably 95% of all cars.

    What then represents "ISOFIX" in children's car seats of groups 2-3 (15-36 kg, from about 3 years)?


    The word "Isofix" I wrote in quotes, because the real Isofix system, as already wrote above, does not apply to such a weight of the child at all. Here, there are all sorts of designations "Kidfix", "Sitfix", "Isofit", etc. etc., with which manufacturers emphasize that there is no ISOFIX, but a compatible method of fastening!
    In groups of 2-3 (car seats 15-36 kg), the child is already fastened by a regular seat belt conducted through special guides in the car seat. Accordingly, the entire load with an accident is on the regular belt.
    At the same time, the chair should be able to move forward, accompanying the child until the regular seat belt is triggered, providing side protection and proper belt routing during the entire braking. Those. If we secured the chair of the group 2-3 on full-fledged isofix, he would only harm. And of course, no top-tether should not be in the floor here!

    Therefore, everything that is called isofixes in a group of 2-3 is simply similar in the installation method, a system that should be able to disassemble, or extend, or shift forward when loaded.

    Safety improvement functions Such a system is practically not barred, except that a little limits the displacement during lateral impact. The main advantage - no need to fasten the children's car seat with a belt when we are going without a child, and it's just worth it - it is more convenient to plant and plant a passenger.

    But what about children's car seats from 9 to 36 kg?

    What with the so-called "transformers", or as they are often called "universal" chairs of groups 1-2-3?

    The most standard customer request "I want a car seat from 9 to 36 kg with a system of Isofix".


    So, today, such chairs, at least successfully passed independent tests, there is no in nature. Due to the previously described previously described difference in the design of this ISOFIX group 1 and decorative - from groups 2-3. The first swallow was to become Romer Xtensafix, the decisive of this problem just paying for the relative rotational mobility of the guides. But there came out the problem in the other, and what happened in the plan of "hybrid" isofix, we will not know.

    Often, transformers 9-36 kg with safety stands instead of belts fall under the universal trend of the presence of isofix. After all, there is everywhere written - Isofix. But the chip is that the regular belt is skipped through the table, and all the load is again on it, and isofix there again decorative, from group 2-3. Those. In the first group, he simply compensates for the inconvenience of the chair (which without it is not fixed in the car), and in group 2-3 - works, as usual. But its safety does not give its use in this group.

    There are still strange examples, like inglesina Prime Miglia I-Fix. Their approach consider completely incorrect. If you carefully read the instructions, then in 1 group (9-18 kg), it is necessary to fix this baby car seat and a regular belt and isofix (i.e., it is simply not clear why the excessive action). And in group 3 - not to use it at all. It is terrible to think how many people did not read in this aforementioned, but simply put a chair on ISOFIX. And the manufacturer, if anything, nothing to say - he warned.

    Now the first classic models of transformers 9-36 kg (GR.1-2-3) appear with internal straps and isofix system, which seems to work in all groups. For the most part, from not very well-known manufacturers. I am sure that this problem is technologically solvable, but would refrain from special enthusiasms about such models before at least some official tests confirming the safety of these structures. Isofix for the sake of Isofix I, honestly, I do not understand!

    For reference - there is another American version of this system - Latch. The main difference is that there are no rigid metal brackets from the car seat, and there are straps with latches at the ends. In a group of 2-3 differences with similar fasteners of the European modification, no, because It is necessary to hold only the chair.

    But with a group of 1 more complicated, because Chairs with this system are not particularly sold in Europe (I suppose, the problem with the oligation of the system itself according to European standards, where everything is rigidly regulated), and therefore, we are unlikely to see independent European crash tests on such chairs. And in the US, tests with the requirements above the standards are carried out only by consumer. Therefore, it remains to believe or do not believe the results of the tests of the manufacturers themselves.

    Well, finally, a couple of common ISOFIX myths:

    Myth 1. "Car seat with ISOFIX is always safer than without it."
    This is not always the case. Firstly, as already understandable from this article, this statement can only be approved for 0+ car seats (0-13 kg) and 1 (9-18 kg). In groups and 3 (15-36 kg), this is not real isofix and does not affect safety. In transformer chairs, it is still either from a group of 2-3, or an unaccificed design and tests design.

    But also in groups 0+ and 1, although the armchairs with Isofix most often show top scoresBut also not always and not in all models. For example, in the independent ADAC tests of ADAC 2013 at the base of one of the car seats 0+ Isofix mechanism simply unbuttoned and the chair flew forward as a projectile. And not only on the fastening method depends on the safety of a children's chair, but also from many other factors.

    Myth 2. Strictly opposite. "Chairs with Isofix is \u200b\u200bmore dangerous, because Due to the rigid fastening, there is a sharper jerk and a large load on the child. And when attaching a belt, braking occurs more gradually because The belt does not work immediately and besides can stretch a little. "

    This is completely incorrect. First, many tests show the opposite. Well, secondly, who is interested, let's figure it out why it is not. When a collision occurs, there is a sharp discharge of speed from the original to zero, over a short period of time. This process is very fast, but not instant, because Some time is the deformation of the car body. And this is good, because Overload from the impact does not occur instantly, with one sharp peak, which we could and not survive, and gradually. Also with a car seat inside. If it is attached to the body is not rigid, then its braking, and therefore, and the inhibition of the child fastened by the inner straps does not begin immediately. It turns out that the child extinguishes its kinetic energy for a smaller time interval than the car body, and gets a much greater peak load, which is just a danger.

    For the same reason, the best safety results among chairs with belt fastening, those who have a good strap retasing.

    Several conclusions.

    • ISOFIX is an excellent invention.
    • Its main advantage is to reduce the likelihood of incorrect installation.
    • ISOFIX affects safety directly in groups of 0+ and 1 and their combination, in the others - for convenience.
    • Not always even in groups 0+ and 1, the availability of ISOFIX gives advantages to safety. It all depends on the design of the chair itself. We look crash tests.
    • the search for a full-fledged isofix in the "transformers" 1-2-3 to date is a waste of time. In chairs with a table, it from group 2-3. And in chairs with strap - this is a refusal of proven and safe chairs in favor of something non-existent so far or unknown and unkind.
    • Isofixes in groups 0+ and 1 need 3 points of support (except for single modifications). If, say, it is written about the chair that you need a Top Tether belt, and you don't have it in the car - you don't need to take this chair because it is "the best and safe in the world." Get the opposite effect for considerable money. ISOFIX for the sake of isofix is \u200b\u200bthe wrong criterion for choice.