Anti-slip device for a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a support element (10) for a vehicle seat, comprising a body (12) formed by a flexible support element (14) and a rigid reinforcing element (16), wherein the flexible support element (14) defines a cavity (13) extending into a portion of the body (12), the rigid reinforcing element (16) extending into the cavity (13) and being formed of a material which is harder than the flexible support element (14) and which has an affinity with the flexible support element (14), the support element (10) being characterized in that the body (12) is further formed by at least one reinforcing layer (18) extending against at least a portion of the rigid reinforcing element (16).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a support element for a seat of a vehicle, comprising a main body formed by a flexible support element and a rigid reinforcing element, the flexible support element defining a cavity extending into a portion of the main body, the rigid reinforcing element extending into the cavity and being formed of a material that is harder than the flexible support element and has an affinity for the flexible support element. BACKGROUND

[0002] Such a support element is intended to prevent a phenomenon known as "submarining" of a passenger seated on the support element. Submarining refers to the sliding of a seat occupant under the lap portion of the seat belt during a crash of the vehicle, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the seat belt in the event of such a crash.

[0003] This is because the pelvis of a passenger seated on a support element as described above sinks slightly into the support element. The back of the passenger is then substantially under the rigid reinforcing element and his / her thighs are supported by the reinforcing element through the flexible support element. The reinforcing element thus constitutes an obstacle, limiting the forward movement of the pelvis in the event of a crash of the vehicle.

[0004] In the prior art support elements, the flexible support element is generally formed of a polyurethane (PU) material, while the rigid reinforcing element is formed of an expanded polypropylene (EPP) material.

[0005] In such a system, the adhesion between the support element and the reinforcing element is limited due to the lack of affinity between one material and the other, which reduces the strength of the support element as a whole. In addition, the use of EPP increases the manufacturing cost of the support element. This is because the EPP element is generally not produced by molding on site at the assembly of the support element, but is purchased, which leads to significant logistics costs. SUMMARY

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a reliable support element that is simple to manufacture and reduces the implementation costs.

[0007] To this end, the present invention relates to a support element, wherein the main body is further formed by at least one reinforcing layer extending against at least a portion of the rigid reinforcing element.

[0008] In the support element according to the invention, the adhesion between the flexible support element and the rigid reinforcing element is improved since these two elements are formed of materials having a high affinity. However, this rigid reinforcing element is not entirely satisfactory since its strength is limited, in particular compared to the strength provided by a rigid EPP element. The reinforcing layer improves the strength of the rigid reinforcing element.

[0009] In practice, the reinforcing layer acts as an additional reinforcement in the event of a collision. Specifically, in the event of a collision, the reinforcing layer can strengthen the rigid reinforcing element and prevent it from breaking by maintaining the structural cohesion of the rigid reinforcing element. In this way, the reinforcing element maintains its mechanical properties during the impact and can effectively prevent submarine slip.

[0010] Other features of the seat according to the invention, used individually or in any technically feasible combination:

[0011] - The flexible support element includes an outer portion forming a support surface and a wall defining a cavity, and the rigid reinforcement element includes an outer portion extending from at least a portion of the wall of the flexible support element and an inner portion opposite to the outer portion;

[0012] - The reinforcing layer extends along at least a portion of the inner surface of the rigid reinforcing element;

[0013] -The reinforcing layer completely covers the rigid reinforcing element;

[0014] -The reinforcing layer is formed of a thermoformable material;

[0015] - The rigid reinforcing element is located at the lower end of the supporting element, and the thickness of the rigid reinforcing element in the height direction is less than the thickness of the supporting element in the height direction;

[0016] - The thickness of the rigid reinforcing element in the height direction is variable in the longitudinal direction;

[0017] - The flexible support element is formed of flexible polyurethane foam, while the rigid reinforcement element is formed of rigid polyurethane foam;

[0018] - The rigid reinforcement element includes at least one fastening element that extends from the body and is used to fasten the support element to the seat frame;

[0019] - The rigid reinforcing element includes a plurality of fastening elements interconnected by a metal structure that extends substantially within the rigid reinforcing element;

[0020] - The reinforcing layer is formed by overmolding with rigid reinforcing elements; and

[0021] - Rigid reinforcing elements are formed by encapsulating them with flexible support elements.

[0022] The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the support element as described above, the method comprising the following steps:

[0023] - The reinforcing layer is arranged in a first mold cavity with a shape that has rigid reinforcing elements.

[0024] -A reinforcing layer is formed by covering the first mold cavity with rigid reinforcing elements.

[0025] - A rigid reinforcing element, which is overmolded onto the reinforcing layer, is arranged in a second mold cavity, the second mold cavity having the shape of the main body supporting the element.

[0026] - Rigid reinforcing elements are formed by covering them with flexible support elements. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which is given by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] - Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the height plane of the support elements of a vehicle seat according to a first embodiment of the present invention, arranged on the seat frame.

[0029] - Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the height plane of the support elements of a vehicle seat according to a second embodiment of the present invention, arranged on the seat frame.

[0030] - Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view is shown, illustrating the height plane of the support elements of a vehicle seat according to a third embodiment of the invention, arranged on the seat frame.

[0031] - Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the lower side of the support element in the diagram.

[0032] - Figure 5 yes Figures 1 to 4 A schematic diagram of the lower side of the reinforcing element of the supporting element in the diagram.

[0033] - Figure 6 It is viewed from above. Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the reinforcing element in the diagram.

[0034] - Figure 7 yes Figures 4 to 6 A schematic diagram of the lower side of the metal structure of the reinforcing element in the diagram. Detailed Implementation

[0035] In this specification, the terms "outer," "top," and "upper" refer to the upward direction relative to the vehicle's height direction Z, which is vertical, for example, when the vehicle is parked on a level surface. The terms "inner," "bottom," and "lower" refer to the downward direction relative to the vehicle's height direction Z.

[0036] The longitudinal direction X is defined as the length of the vehicle. For example, the longitudinal direction X is horizontal when the vehicle is parked on level ground and extends in the vehicle's usual direction of travel. The terms "front" and "rear" are defined in the longitudinal direction X and, under normal operating conditions of the vehicle, in the direction forward and in the direction behind the vehicle, respectively.

[0037] The lateral direction Y is defined according to the width of the vehicle. For example, the lateral direction Y is horizontal when the vehicle is parked on a level surface and is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X. The terms "left" and "right" are respectively defined in the longitudinal direction X and, under normal operating conditions of the vehicle, in the direction to the left and right of the vehicle.

[0038] Reference Figures 1 to 4 The text describes a support element 10 for a vehicle seat, which includes a body 12 formed by a flexible support element 14, at least one rigid reinforcing element 16, and at least one reinforcing layer 18.

[0039] The seat is intended to be installed, for example, in a motor vehicle, or in any other type of rail, sea or other means of transport.

[0040] For example, the support element 10 is a seat cushion. Therefore, the main body 12 is the element on which the seat user can sit.

[0041] The flexible support element 14 extends from the rear end 22 of the main body 12 to the front end 24 of the main body 12. In addition, the flexible support element 14 extends from the left end 26 of the main body 12 to the right end 28 of the main body 12.

[0042] "Flexibility" is understood as a support element that can elastically deform when a force is applied to it 14.

[0043] The flexible support element 14 has an upward-facing outer portion 32 and a downward-facing inner portion 34 opposite to the outer portion 32.

[0044] The outer portion 32 defines a support surface for the seat user. Specifically, the outer portion 32 can be shaped to comfortably accommodate the seat user. The outer portion 32 includes, for example, a central region that is recessed relative to a peripheral region surrounding the central region. It should be understood that, depending on the nature of the seat, other shapes are also possible, such as curved shapes or other shapes.

[0045] Reference Figures 1 to 4 The flexible support element 14 defines the cavity 13 defined by the wall 33.

[0046] Cavity 13 extends, for example, into the front end of body 12. Cavity 13 also extends, for example, from the left end portion 26 of body 12 to the right end portion 28 of body 12.

[0047] Reference Figure 1 In the first embodiment shown, the cavity 13 is open on the inner surface 34 side of the flexible support element 14. Specifically, the wall 33 closes the cavity 13 towards the front, rear, and top of the flexible support element 14. This means that the cavity 13 is open towards the bottom of the flexible support element 14.

[0048] The flexible support element 14 is made of a polymer material. For example, the flexible support element 14 is made of flexible PU foam.

[0049] Reference Figures 1 to 4 The rigid reinforcing element 16 extends into the cavity 13 of the flexible support element 14. The rigid reinforcing element 16 extends, for example, from the left end 26 to the right end 28 of the body 12 in the front end 24 of the body 12. The rigid reinforcing element 16 is also located in the lower end of the body 12.

[0050] The rigid reinforcing element 16 is attached to the flexible support element 14.

[0051] Reference Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The rigid reinforcing element 16 includes an outer surface 38, an inner surface 40, and at least one metal structure 42.

[0052] according to Figure 1 In the first embodiment shown, the outer portion 38 of the rigid reinforcing element 16 extends abutting a portion of the wall 33 of the cavity 13 and faces upward. In particular, the outer portion 38 of the rigid reinforcing element 16 is adapted to the shape of the wall 33 of the cavity 13.

[0053] The inner surface 40 of the rigid reinforcing element 16 is opposite to the outer surface 38 of the rigid reinforcing element 16 and faces downward.

[0054] The inner surface 40 of the rigid reinforcing element 16 is at least partially covered by the reinforcing layer 18.

[0055] The thickness of the flexible support element 14 at a point in the non-cavity region with longitudinal X-coordinate and transverse Y-coordinate is defined as the distance between the outer portion 32 and the inner portion 34 in the height direction Z at the longitudinal X-coordinate and transverse Y-coordinate.

[0056] The thickness of the flexible support element 14 at a point in the cavity with longitudinal X coordinate and transverse Y coordinate is defined as the sum of the distance between the outer part 32 in the height direction Z at the X and Y coordinates and the upper part of the wall 33 of the cavity 13 and the distance between the lower part of the wall 33 of the cavity 13 and the inner part 34.

[0057] The thickness e of the rigid reinforcing element 16 at a point having a longitudinal X coordinate and a transverse Y coordinate is defined as the distance between the outer part 38 and the inner part 40 of the rigid reinforcing element 16 in the height direction Z at the X and Y coordinates.

[0058] The thickness of the reinforcing layer 18 at a point having a longitudinal X coordinate and a transverse Y coordinate is defined as the distance between the top and bottom ends of the reinforcing layer 18 in the height direction Z at the X and Y coordinates.

[0059] The thickness of the body 12 in the region of the body 12 including the reinforcing element 16 and / or the reinforcing layer 18 is defined as the sum of the thickness of the reinforcing layer 18, the thickness of the reinforcing element 16, and the thickness of the flexible support element 14.

[0060] Outside this region, the thickness of the main body 12 is limited to be equal only to the thickness of the flexible support element 14.

[0061] In addition, the flexible support element 14 has a variable thickness in the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y (in Figures 1 to 3 (See in the middle).

[0062] The thickness e of the rigid reinforcing element 16 (in Figures 1 to 3 (As can be seen) the thickness e is variable in the longitudinal direction X. The thickness e of the rigid reinforcing element 16 is between 4 cm and 20 cm, preferably between 10 cm and 15 cm, and particularly equal to 12 cm and less than the thickness of the body 12 of the supporting element 10. The thickness e can also vary in the transverse direction Y.

[0063] Specifically, the thickness e varies from front to back along the longitudinal direction X in a manner that gradually decreases towards the rear. According to Figures 1 to 3 In the illustrated implementation, this gradual decrease is continuous. According to... Figure 6 The variation shown here, this gradual decrease is not continuous.

[0064] The outer surface of the main body 12 is formed only by the outer surface 32 of the flexible support element 14.

[0065] according to Figure 1 In the first embodiment shown, the inner surface of the body 12 is formed by a reinforcing layer 18 in the region of the body 12 including the rigid reinforcing element 16, while outside the region it is formed by the inner surface 34 of the flexible support element 14.

[0066] The rigid reinforcing element 16 is formed of a material harder than the flexible support element 14. "Rigid" is understood to mean that the rigid reinforcing element 16 does not deform substantially when a reasonable force is applied to it. A reasonable force is the force that might be applied to the support element 10 under normal use conditions, particularly when a passenger is seated on it. The rigid reinforcing element 16 is, for example, formed of a polymer material harder than the flexible support element 14. For example, the rigid reinforcing element 16 is made of rigid PU foam.

[0067] The rigid reinforcing element 16 is overmolded by the flexible support element 14. The materials of the rigid reinforcing element 16 and the flexible support element 14 have an affinity for each other. "Affinity" is understood as a high degree of adhesion between the rigid reinforcing element 16 and the flexible support element 14. For example, the affinity between the rigid reinforcing element 16 and the flexible support element 14 is partly due to the fact that they are both made of PU foam. In particular, the adhesion between the rigid reinforcing element 16 and the flexible support element 14 is greater than the adhesion when they are formed from different materials.

[0068] Metal structure 42 (in) Figures 4 to 6 Part of it is visible in the main body 12, while Figure 7 (Fully visible in the middle) It extends substantially through the rigid reinforcing element 16 and includes at least one fastening element 46.

[0069] Each fastening element 46 is made of, for example, a metallic material. Fastener 46 is made of, for example, steel.

[0070] like Figure 4 As shown, each fastener 46 protrudes from the rigid reinforcing element 16, and in particular from the body 12. Each fastener 46 is designed to attach the rigid reinforcing element 16 and the flexible support element 14, which are attached to each other, to the seat frame 20, with the inner side of the body 12 resting on the seat frame 20.

[0071] Therefore, when the metal structure 42 includes a plurality of fastening elements 46, the fastening elements 46 are connected to each other through the metal structure 42.

[0072] For example, fastener 46 is a hook for attaching the seat frame 20. The metal structure 42 has, for example, hooks distributed on the inner side of the body 12. Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 The five fastening elements 46 are shown.

[0073] In a variant not shown, the metal structure 42 is formed of multiple metal substructures. For example, two metal substructures are connected to each other by a retaining element made of a composite material. The retaining element is, for example, a link connecting one metal substructure to another. The retaining element is, for example, formed of a polypropylene-based material including glass fibers.

[0074] Reinforcement layer 18 (in) Figures 1 to 4 (As can be seen in the image) It extends over at least a portion of the inner surface 40 of the rigid reinforcing element 16. This layer is flat, i.e., one dimension of it is smaller than the others. This layer is flexible, so it can deform to cover and fit the shape of another element. For example, the reinforcing layer 18 covers at least a portion of the inner surface 40 of the rigid reinforcing element 16 and fits the shape of that portion.

[0075] exist Figure 1 In the first embodiment shown, the reinforcing layer 18 extends abutting a portion of the inner surface 40 of the rigid reinforcing element 16. The reinforcing layer 18 is made of a polymeric material. For example, the reinforcing layer 18 is formed of a polyester material. The reinforcing layer 18 may also be formed, for example, of a composite material comprising fibers embedded in a matrix. The fibers are formed, for example, of copolyester, polyamide, or polyolefin-based materials (e.g., polyethylene or polypropylene). The choice of material for manufacturing the reinforcing layer 18 allows for modification of the layer's mechanical properties to best suit the rigid reinforcing element 16 to which it is applied.

[0076] The thickness of reinforcing layer 18 is less than the other two dimensions of its extension. The ratio of length or width to thickness is, for example, between 100 and 1000. For example, the thickness of reinforcing layer 18 is between 1 mm and 6 mm.

[0077] The longitudinal tensile strength of the reinforcing layer 18 (i.e., the strength obtained in the longitudinal direction X) is greater than 300 N / cm.

[0078] The transverse tensile strength of the reinforcing layer 18 (i.e., the strength obtained in the transverse direction Y) is greater than 300 N / cm.

[0079] The longitudinal elongation at break of the reinforcing layer 18 (i.e., measured in the longitudinal direction X) is greater than 50%.

[0080] The transverse elongation at break of the reinforcing layer 18 (i.e., measured in the transverse direction Y) is greater than 60%.

[0081] according to Figure 1 In the first embodiment shown, the reinforcing layer 18 is overmolded by a rigid reinforcing element 16. Specifically, the reinforcing layer 18 is shaped to fit the inner surface 40 of the rigid reinforcing element 16. When a user sits on the support element 10, their pelvis is slightly pressed into the flexible support element 14. Therefore, the user's pelvis is generally positioned opposite or below the rigid reinforcing element, and their thighs are supported on the outer surface 38 of the rigid support element 16 by the flexible support element 14 in the reinforced area. In the event of a collision in a vehicle, particularly a frontal collision, a forward force in the longitudinal direction X is applied to the user's pelvis. This causes the user to be thrown forward.

[0082] The outer portion 38 of the rigid reinforcement element 16 then applies a reaction force to the user's thighs and pelvis, which is substantially rearward. Therefore, the rigid reinforcement element 16 prevents pelvic displacement and thus prevents the user from sliding forward in the seat, particularly below the ventral side where the seatbelt overlaps. The reinforcement layer 18 maintains the cohesion of the reinforcement element 16 during the impact, thereby preventing it from tearing and ensuring it can perform its function.

[0083] The manufacturing method of the support element 10 is described below.

[0084] According to the first embodiment, the reinforcing layer 18 is placed in a first mold cavity in the shape of the rigid reinforcing element 16.

[0085] The metal structure 42 is also arranged in the first mold cavity.

[0086] The PU material is then injected onto the reinforcing layer 18 and the metal structure 42 in the first mold cavity, forming a rigid PU foam. Therefore, the reinforcing layer 18 is molded in the first mold cavity by a rigid reinforcing element formed from the rigid PU foam 16, resulting in good adhesion between the reinforcing layer 18 and the rigid reinforcing element 16. The metal structure 42 is partially molded in the first mold cavity by the rigid reinforcing element 16.

[0087] Then, the components constituting the rigid reinforcing element 16 and the reinforcing layer 18 are demolded and placed in a second mold cavity having the shape of the body 12 with the support element 10.

[0088] The PU material is then injected into the second mold cavity onto the rigid reinforcing element 16, which is overmolded onto the reinforcing layer 18, thereby forming a flexible PU foam. A flexible support element 14, formed from the flexible PU foam, is then overmolded onto the rigid reinforcing element 16 and the reinforcing layer 18. Therefore, the flexible support element 14 and the rigid reinforcing element 16 are made of the same material. Consequently, the adhesion between the flexible support element 14 and the rigid reinforcing element 16 is optimized, particularly compared to prior art support elements.

[0089] according to Figure 2 In the second embodiment of the support element 10 shown, the cavity 13 is closed and extends completely into the flexible support element 14. Then, the rigid reinforcing element 16 and the reinforcing layer 18 extending into the cavity 13 are encapsulated by the flexible support element 14.

[0090] The outer portion 38 of the rigid reinforcing element 16 extends abutting against a portion of the wall 33 of the cavity 13 and faces upward. In particular, the outer portion 38 of the rigid reinforcing element 16 is adapted to the shape of that portion of the wall 33 of the cavity 13.

[0091] According to this second embodiment, the inner surface of the main body 12 is entirely formed by the inner surface 34 of the flexible support element 14.

[0092] The reinforcing layer 18 extends abutting at least a portion of the inner surface 40 of the rigid reinforcing element 16 and at least a portion of the wall 33 of the flexible support element 14.

[0093] The reinforcing layer 18 is overmolded by the rigid reinforcing element 16. In particular, the reinforcing layer 18 is adapted to the shape of the inner surface 40 of the rigid reinforcing element 16.

[0094] according to Figure 3 In the third embodiment of the support element 10 shown, the cavity 13 is closed and extends completely into the flexible element 14. Then, the rigid reinforcing element 16 and the reinforcing layer 18 extending into the cavity 13 are encapsulated by the flexible support element 14.

[0095] The outer surface 38 of the rigid reinforcing element 16 is completely covered by the reinforcing layer 18, which is in direct contact with the entire wall 33 of the cavity.

[0096] According to this third embodiment, the inner surface of the main body 12 is entirely formed by the inner surface 34 of the flexible support element 14.

[0097] The reinforcing layer 18 encapsulates the rigid reinforcing element 16 such that the reinforcing layer 18 completely covers the rigid reinforcing element 16. Specifically, the reinforcing layer 18 extends along the outer surface 38 and inner surface 40 of the rigid reinforcing element 16. In particular, the reinforcing layer 18 is adapted to the shape of the rigid reinforcing element 16.

[0098] The reinforcing layer 18 is attached to the rigid reinforcing element 16.

[0099] In this third embodiment, the thickness of the reinforcing layer 18 is taken from the minimum dimension of the reinforcing layer 18.

[0100] In a fourth embodiment not shown, cavity 13 is open. Specifically, cavity 13 opens toward the front and bottom of flexible support element 14. Wall 33 closes cavity 13 toward the rear and top of flexible support element 14.

[0101] In this fourth embodiment, the reinforcing layer 18 encapsulates the rigid reinforcing element 16. Thus, the inner surface of the body 12 is formed by the reinforcing layer 18 in the region of the body 12 containing the rigid reinforcing element 16, while outside this region it is formed by the inner surface 34 of the flexible support element 14.

[0102] In a second embodiment of the method, PU material is injected into a rigid reinforcing element 16 that is overmolded on a reinforcing layer 18 in a second mold cavity, such that the PU material forms a flexible PU foam encapsulating the rigid reinforcing element 16 and the reinforcing layer 18. Therefore, a flexible support element 14 formed from the flexible PU foam is overmolded onto the rigid reinforcing element 16 and the reinforcing layer 18.

[0103] According to the third embodiment of the method, compared with the second embodiment of the method, the reinforcing layer 18 is applied and fixed to the pre-formed rigid reinforcing element 16, such that the reinforcing layer 18 encapsulates and completely covers the rigid reinforcing element 16.

[0104] The assembly consisting of the rigid reinforcing element 16 and the reinforcing layer 18 is then placed in the second mold cavity.

[0105] Then, PU material is injected over the rigid reinforcing element 16 and reinforcing layer 18 in the second mold cavity, so that the PU material forms a flexible PU foam, which encapsulates the rigid reinforcing element 16 and reinforcing layer 18. Thus, a flexible support element 14 formed of flexible PU foam is overmolded onto the rigid reinforcing element 16 and reinforcing layer 18, and the rigid reinforcing element 16 and reinforcing layer 18 are encapsulated.

[0106] Therefore, the seat support element 10 proposed in this invention is easy to manufacture and has enhanced impact resistance. Even in the event of a major collision involving a vehicle, it enables the rigid reinforcement element 16 to perform its function of protecting passengers by preventing skidding.

Claims

1. A support element (10) for a vehicle seat, the support element comprising a body (12) formed by a flexible support element (14) and a rigid reinforcing element (16). The flexible support element (14) defines a cavity (13) that extends into a portion of the body (12). The rigid reinforcing element (16) extends into the cavity (13) and is formed of a material that is harder than the flexible support element (14) and has affinity with the flexible support element (14). The support element (10) is characterized in that the body (12) is also formed by at least one reinforcing layer (18) extending abutting at least a portion of the rigid reinforcing element (16), the reinforcing layer (18) completely covering the rigid reinforcing element (16). The cavity (13) is closed and extends completely into the flexible support element (14), and the rigid reinforcing element (16) and the reinforcing layer (18) extend into the cavity (13) and are encapsulated by the flexible support element (14). The main body (12) consists of only one reinforcing layer.

2. The support element (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that: - The flexible support element (14) includes an outer portion (32) forming a support surface and a wall (33) defining the cavity (13). - The rigid reinforcing element (16) includes an outer surface (38) extending from at least a portion of the wall (33) attached to the flexible support element (14) and an inner surface (40) opposite to the outer surface (38).

3. The support element (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The reinforcing layer (18) extends along at least a portion of the inner surface (40) of the rigid reinforcing element (16).

4. The support element (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the reinforcing layer (18) is between 1 mm and 6 mm.

5. The support element (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reinforcing layer (18) is formed of a thermoformable material.

6. The support element (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rigid reinforcing element (16) is located in the lower end portion of the support element (10), and the thickness of the rigid reinforcing element (16) in the height direction (Z) is less than the thickness of the support element (10) in the height direction (Z).

7. The support element (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the rigid reinforcing element (16) in the height direction (Z) is variable in the longitudinal direction (X).

8. The support element (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible support element (14) is formed of flexible polyurethane foam, while the rigid reinforcement element (16) is formed of rigid polyurethane foam.

9. The support element (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rigid reinforcing element (16) includes at least one fastening element (46) that extends from the body (12) and is used to fasten the support element (10) to the seat frame (20).

10. The support element (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The rigid reinforcing element (16) includes a plurality of fastening elements (46) interconnected by a metal structure (42) that extends substantially within the rigid reinforcing element (16).

11. The support element (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reinforcing layer (18) is formed by covering the rigid reinforcing element (16).

12. The support element (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rigid reinforcing element (16) is formed by covering the flexible support element (14).

13. A method for manufacturing the support element (10) according to claim 1, comprising the following steps: - The reinforcing layer (18) is arranged in a first mold cavity having the shape of the rigid reinforcing element (16). - The reinforcing layer (18) is formed by covering the rigid reinforcing element (16) in the first mold cavity. - The rigid reinforcing element (16), which is overmolded on the reinforcing layer (18), is arranged in a second mold cavity, the second mold cavity having the shape of the body (12) of the supporting element (10). - The rigid reinforcing element (16) is formed by covering the flexible support element (14).

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