Rail member and method for manufacturing a rail member

Abstract

To provide a rail member for retaining a slider in a linear guide device, wherein the rail member can be produced by vacuum forming or pressure forming even when a relief groove is formed on the side surface.SOLUTION: A rail member 1 for holding a slider of a linear guide device is constructed by connecting a first member 10 made of a thermoplastic resin and forming an upper part of the rail member 1, and a second member 20 made of a thermoplastic resin and forming a lower part of the rail member 1, wherein on each of both side surfaces of the rail member 1, a relief groove 34 extending along the longitudinal direction of the rail member 1 is provided, the relief groove 34 being formed by connecting the first member 10 and the second member 20, an upper edge 11a of the relief groove 34 being a part of the first member 10, and a lower edge 24 of the relief groove 34 being a part of the second member 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a rail member and a method for manufacturing the rail member.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a package that houses a linear motion guide device generally referred to as a linear guide device. The linear guide device shown in Patent Document 1 includes a moving body also referred to as a slider and a rail body that is a rail member. This rail member functions as an insertion jig for inserting the slider into a rail installed at a predetermined location. Further, this rail member has ball rolling grooves and also functions as a holding jig for holding a plurality of rolling elements of the slider before the insertion. Such a rail member for holding a slider has conventionally been often manufactured by cutting metal or the like, but the rail member in Patent Document 1 is formed of a plastic material such as polyethylene.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a linear guide device provided with a wire-shaped rolling element retainer for holding a plurality of rolling elements of the slider. Further, Patent Document 2 also discloses forming a relief groove on the side surface of the rail so that the rolling element retainer does not interfere with the side surface of the rail when the slider moves linearly on the rail.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] As described in Patent Document 1, when the rail members for holding the slider of a linear guide device are made of thermoplastic resin, the cost is lower than when they are manufactured by metal cutting. There are several manufacturing methods using thermoplastic resin as the material, but vacuum forming and pressure forming tend to be less expensive than, for example, injection molding. Therefore, from a cost standpoint, it is preferable to use vacuum forming or pressure forming.

[0006] However, in vacuum forming and pressure forming methods, if there is a groove perpendicular to the direction of demolding, it becomes difficult to demold the product, making mass production difficult. For example, a rail member having a relief groove to accommodate a wire-shaped rolling element holder, as described in Patent Document 2, is difficult to manufacture by vacuum forming or pressure forming methods. Attempting to manufacture it this way would cause the product to warp during demolding, leading to defects.

[0007] This disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems. Specifically, this disclosure aims to provide a rail member for holding a slider in a linear guide device that can be manufactured by vacuum forming or pressure forming, even when relief grooves are provided on the side surface of the rail member. Furthermore, this disclosure aims to provide a method for manufacturing such a rail member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A rail member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is A rail member for holding the slider of a linear guide device, The rail member is constructed by connecting a first member made of thermoplastic resin that forms the upper part of the rail member and a second member made of thermoplastic resin that forms the lower part of the rail member. On each of the two sides of the rail member, a relief groove is provided that extends along the longitudinal direction of the rail member. The relief groove is formed by connecting the first member and the second member, with the upper edge of the relief groove being part of the first member and the lower edge of the relief groove being part of the second member.

[0009] A method for manufacturing a rail member according to one embodiment of this disclosure is: A method for manufacturing a rail member for holding a slider in a linear guide device, A molding step of forming a first thermoplastic resin member that forms the upper part of the rail member and a second thermoplastic resin member that forms the lower part of the rail member by vacuum forming or pressure forming, The process includes a connecting step of connecting the first member and the second member, The connection process creates relief grooves on each of the rail members, extending along the longitudinal direction of the rail member, with the upper edge of the relief groove being part of the first member and the lower edge of the relief groove being part of the second member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a rail member for holding a slider in a linear guide device can be manufactured by vacuum forming or pressure forming, even when relief grooves are provided on the side surface of the rail member. Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing such a rail member can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the rail members before connection according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the back surface of the rail member shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the state after the rail members in Figure 1 have been connected. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the rail member in Figure 3 holding the slider. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a partial cross-sectional view along line BB in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the rail member according to the first embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, a rail member and a method for manufacturing the rail member according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. The dimensions of each member shown in these drawings are for convenience of explanation and may be different from the actual dimensions of each member.

[0013] In each figure, "F" represents "front direction", "B" represents "rear direction", "L" represents "left direction", "R" represents "right direction", "U" represents "upward direction", and "D" represents "downward direction". These directions are relative directions set for convenience of explanation and do not limit the present invention. Further, in the following description, the "front-rear direction" is a direction including the "front direction" and the "rear direction". The "left-right direction" is a direction including the "left direction" and the "right direction". The "up-down direction" is a direction including the "upward direction" and the "downward direction".

[0014] [First Embodiment] (Rail Member) The rail member according to the present embodiment is a product for holding a slider of a linear guide device. The rail member according to the present embodiment can function, for example, as an insertion jig for inserting a slider into a rail installed at a predetermined location. Further, the rail member according to the present embodiment can function, for example, as a holding jig for holding a plurality of rolling elements of a slider before inserting the slider into a rail installed at a predetermined location. In this specification, the "linear guide device" is not a phrase referring to a specific product but a general term for a device that guides linear motion.

[0015] The rail member according to the present embodiment is configured by connecting a first member and a second member to each other. First, the rail member 1 before connection will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the state of the rail member 1 before connection according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the rail member 1 in FIG. 1.

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the rail member 1 includes a first member 10, a second member 20, and a connecting member 31. The first member 10, the second member 20, and the connecting member 31 are made of a thermoplastic resin and are, for example, thin-walled members formed by vacuum molding or pressure-air molding. In the present embodiment, these members are integrally formed by vacuum molding or pressure-air molding, but these members may be formed separately. When formed separately, the connecting member 31 may not be provided. Further, the first member 10 and the second member 20 are provided with a draft gradient so as to spread downward as shown in FIG. 1 in order to facilitate mold release during vacuum molding or pressure-air molding (see FIG. 4).

[0017] The resin used for the first member 10, the second member 20, and the connecting member 31 is not particularly limited as long as it is a thermoplastic resin. For example, conventionally known resins such as polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene (PP), polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, polycarbonate, or acrylic resin can be used. From the viewpoint of the balance between the strength and cost required for the rail member 1, for example, it is preferable to use polyethylene terephthalate or polypropylene, and it is more preferable to use polyethylene terephthalate. Note that two or more types of resins may be laminated and formed. Also, when the first member 10 and the second member 20 are formed separately, the resins used for the respective members may be different.

[0018] The first member 10 includes a first opposing surface 11, a first fitting portion 12, a first rolling groove 13, and a relief groove upper edge 14. The second member 20 includes a second opposing surface 21, a second fitting portion 22, a second rolling groove 23, and a relief groove lower edge 24.

[0019] The first member 10 has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from above (viewed from above). The first member 10 forms the upper part of the rail member 1 when connected to the second member 20. The first opposing surface 11 is a substantially rectangular surface facing upward in Figure 1. When the first member 10 and the second member 20 are connected, the first opposing surface 11 faces the second opposing surface 21 of the second member 20.

[0020] The first mating portion 12 mats with the second mating portion 22 when connecting the first member 10 and the second member 20. The shape of the first mating portion 12 is not particularly limited as long as it can mate with the second mating portion 22. In this embodiment, the first mating portion 12 is a cylindrical projection, but it may also be a prismatic projection, an elliptical projection, or have any other shape. The number of first mating portions 12 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, there are two first mating portions 12, but there may be one, three, or four or more. The position of the first mating portions 12 is not particularly limited and may be determined appropriately according to the number of first mating portions 12. In this embodiment, the first mating portions 12 are provided near the rear end and near the front end of the first opposing surface 11, respectively.

[0021] The first rolling groove 13, together with the second rolling groove 23, forms a rail-side rolling path 33 (see Figure 4) when the first member 10 and the second member 20 are connected. The first rolling groove 13 extends along the longitudinal direction (front-to-back direction) of the first member 10 and is formed on the left and right sides of the first member 10, respectively.

[0022] The upper edge 14 of the relief groove, together with the lower edge 24 of the relief groove, forms a relief groove 34 (see Figure 4) when the first member 10 and the second member 20 are connected. The upper edge 14 of the relief groove is part of the first opposing surface 11, and refers to the left and right ends of the first opposing surface 11. The upper edge 14 of the relief groove extends along the longitudinal direction of the first member 10.

[0023] The second member 20 has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from above. When the second member 20 is connected to the first member 10, it forms the lower part of the rail member 1. The second opposing surface 21 is a substantially rectangular surface facing upward in Figure 1. When the first member 10 and the second member 20 are connected, the second opposing surface 21 faces the first opposing surface 11 of the first member 10.

[0024] The second mating portion 22 mats with the first mating portion 12 when connecting the first member 10 and the second member 20. The shape of the second mating portion 22 is not particularly limited as long as it can mate with the first mating portion 12. In this embodiment, the second mating portion 22 is a cylindrical hole, but it can be appropriately changed depending on the shape of the first mating portion 12. The number and position of the second mating portions 22 can be determined according to the number and position of the first mating portions 12.

[0025] The second rolling groove 23, together with the first rolling groove 13, forms a rail-side rolling path 33 (see Figure 4) when the first member 10 and the second member 20 are connected. The second rolling groove 23 extends along the longitudinal direction of the second member 20 and is formed on the left and right sides of the second member 20, respectively.

[0026] The lower edge 24 of the relief groove, together with the upper edge 14 of the relief groove, forms a relief groove 34 (see Figure 4) when the first member 10 and the second member 20 are connected. The lower edge 24 of the relief groove is a stepped portion that extends further to the left from the left end of the second opposing surface 21, and a stepped portion that extends further to the right from the right end of the second opposing surface 21. The lower edge 24 of the relief groove is also provided to extend along the longitudinal direction of the second member 20.

[0027] The connecting member 31 is a member that connects the first member 10 and the second member 20 when the first member 10 and the second member 20 are formed integrally. Furthermore, the length of the connecting member 31 in the longitudinal direction is approximately equal to the height of the rail member 1 when the first member 10 and the second member 20 are connected. Therefore, the connecting member 31 is also involved in positioning when connecting the first member 10 and the second member 20. When connecting the first member 10 and the second member 20, at least a part of the connecting member 31 may be configured to abut the front-facing surface of the second member 20, or it may not be configured to abut that surface.

[0028] Next, with reference to Figures 3 and 4, the rail member 1 after the first member 10 and the second member 20 have been connected will be described. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the state of the rail member 1 after connection in Figure 1. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 3.

[0029] Here, "connection" between the first member 10 and the second member 20 as used herein means that the first member 10 and the second member 20 are fixed together with their first opposing surfaces 11 and 21 facing each other. In the examples of Figures 3 and 4, the first member 10 and the second member 20 are connected by the projection of the first fitting portion 11 fitting into the hole of the second fitting portion 21, but the manner of connection is not limited to this example. Other conventionally known connection structures may be used, or adhesives may be used. The connection may be detachable or non-detachable.

[0030] The width w3 of the central part in the longitudinal direction of the rail member 1 shown in Figure 3 is longer than the widths w1 and w2 at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the rail member 1. The width w3 is preferably 105% to 115% of the widths w1 and w2, and more preferably 105% to 110%. When manufacturing a product with a shape like the rail member 1 of this embodiment by vacuum forming or pressure forming, the central part tends to bulge more than the ends in the longitudinal direction when demolding from the mold. Therefore, a rail member 1 whose width w3 satisfies the above range can be obtained, for example, by forming it by vacuum forming or pressure forming. Specifically, the width w3 can be controlled to satisfy the above range by adjusting the heating temperature and cooling temperature of the resin in vacuum forming, etc.

[0031] As shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, when the first member 10 and the second member 20 are connected, the first opposing surface 11 and the second opposing surface 21 are in contact with each other. However, a predetermined gap may be provided between the first opposing surface 11 and the second opposing surface 21, for example, by adjusting the shapes of the first fitting portion 12 and the second fitting portion 22.

[0032] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the first rolling groove 13 and the second rolling groove 23 form a rail-side rolling path 33. When the rail member 1 holds the slider, the rolling elements included in the slider can roll within the rolling path formed by the rail-side rolling path 33 and the slider-side rolling path (not shown). The shape and position of the rail-side rolling path 33 are determined according to the shape of the rolling elements and the position of the rolling elements in the slider, respectively.

[0033] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, a relief groove 34 is formed by the upper edge 14 of the relief groove, which is part of the first member 10, and the lower edge 24 of the relief groove, which is part of the second member 20. The relief groove 34 is a groove provided so that the wire-shaped rolling element retainer included in the slider does not interfere with the rail member 1 when the slider is held by the rail member 1. The shape and position of the relief groove 34 are determined according to the shape of the rolling element retainer and the position of the rolling element retainer on the slider, respectively. The depth d of the relief groove 34 is not particularly limited and is determined according to the size of the rolling element retainer. The depth d of the relief groove 34 is, for example, 0.5 mm or more.

[0034] Next, an example of the use of the rail member 1 will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the rail member 1 of Figure 3 holding the slider 50. Figure 6 is a partial cross-sectional view along line BB of Figure 5. Note that in Figure 6, only a part of the rolling element 51 and the rolling element holder 52 of the slider 50 are shown in cross-section, and other internal structures are omitted from the illustration, with only the outer edge shown.

[0035] The slider 50 comprises at least a plurality of rolling elements 51 and a rolling element retainer 52 that holds the rolling elements 51. The rolling elements 51 may be balls or rollers. The rolling element retainer 52 may be wire-shaped, plate-shaped, or in other shapes. The slider 50 may have other conventionally known configurations.

[0036] As shown in Figure 6, a portion of the rolling element 51 is located inside the rail-side rolling path 33. The rolling element retainer 52 is located inside the relief groove 34. Therefore, in the state shown in Figure 5, the slider 50 is held by the rail member 1 and can move in the forward and backward direction on the rail member 1.

[0037] (Method of manufacturing rail components) The manufacturing method for the rail member 1 in this embodiment includes at least a molding step and a connecting step. The molding step is a step of forming a first member 10 made of thermoplastic resin that forms the upper part of the rail member 1 and a second member 20 made of thermoplastic resin that forms the lower part of the rail member 1 by vacuum forming or pressure forming. Vacuum forming and pressure forming are conventionally known methods, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0038] The connection process is the process of connecting the first member 10 and the second member. In the rail member 1 described above, the first member 10 and the second member 20 are connected by fitting the first fitting portion 12 and the second fitting portion 22 together. The connection process forms relief grooves 34 on each of the two sides of the rail member 1, extending along the longitudinal direction of the rail member 1. As described above, the upper edge 14 of the relief groove is part of the first member 10, and the lower edge 24 of the relief groove is part of the second member 20. In addition, the connection process forms rail-side rolling paths 33 on each of the two sides of the rail member 1, extending along the longitudinal direction of the rail member 1.

[0039] [Differentiation] Next, a modified example of the rail member 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 7 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the rail member 1 according to the first embodiment. The rail member 100 shown in Figure 7 can adopt the same configuration as the first embodiment, except for the shape of the mating portion and the presence or absence of ribs. Therefore, the differences between the modified example and the first embodiment will be mainly described below.

[0040] In this modified example, the first member 110 is provided with four first interlocking portions 112. The first interlocking portions 112 are cylindrical projections located near the four corners of the first opposing surface 11. The second member 120 is provided with four second interlocking portions 122. The second interlocking portions 122 are rectangular holes located near the four corners of the second opposing surface 21. The first interlocking portions 112 and the second interlocking portions 122 have portions that are approximately equal in length in the front-to-back or left-to-right direction, for example, and are interlockable with each other. The first member 110 and the second member 120 are connected to each other by the interlocking of the first interlocking portions 112 and the second interlocking portions 122.

[0041] The first opposing surface 11 has at least one rib 115 rising from the first opposing surface 11. The number and shape of the ribs 115 are not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of further improving strength, for example, it is preferable to provide multiple ribs 115 that extend in the shorter direction (left-right direction), as in this example. Also from the same viewpoint, it is preferable that the multiple ribs 115 are arranged parallel to each other along the front-rear direction, for example. The ribs 115 may also be provided on the second opposing surface 12 so as to rise from the second opposing surface 12. When the first member 110 and the second member 120 are connected, the ribs 115 come into contact with the second opposing surface 12, for example.

[0042] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and modifications and improvements can be made as appropriate. The present invention includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims and equivalents thereof.

[0043] [Note] As described above, the following matters are disclosed in this specification: (1) A rail member for holding a slider in a linear guide device, The rail member is constructed by connecting a first member made of thermoplastic resin that forms the upper part of the rail member and a second member made of thermoplastic resin that forms the lower part of the rail member. On each of the two sides of the rail member, a relief groove is provided that extends along the longitudinal direction of the rail member. The relief groove is formed by connecting the first member and the second member, the upper edge of the relief groove is part of the first member, and the lower edge of the relief groove is part of the second member. Rail components. This rail member allows for the manufacture of a rail member for holding the slider of a linear guide device by vacuum forming or pressure forming, even when relief grooves are provided on the side surface of the rail member. Specifically, since this rail member is constructed by connecting two members, a first member including the upper edge of the relief groove and a second member including the lower edge of the relief groove, it can be manufactured by vacuum forming or pressure forming even when, for example, the relief groove is perpendicular to the release direction when releasing from a mold.

[0044] (2) The width of the central part of the rail member in the longitudinal direction is greater than the width of both ends of the rail member in the longitudinal direction. The rail member described in (1) above. With this rail member, the central part of the rail member is wider than the ends, which, for example, makes it less likely for the slider to slip out from the center, improving the slider's holding performance. Also, since the ends of the rail member are narrower than the central part, for example, the workability when attaching the slider to the rail member may be improved.

[0045] (3) The first member has a first fitting portion, and the second member has a second fitting portion, and the first member and the second member are connected by fitting the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion together. The rail member described in (1) or (2) above. With this rail member, for example, positioning is achieved by each interlocking part, and the first and second members can be connected with simple work, thus improving workability and manufacturing efficiency.

[0046] (4) The first member and the second member are integrally formed by vacuum forming or pressure forming. A rail member as described in any of (1) to (3) above. This rail component improves workability and manufacturing efficiency because, for example, the connecting components are formed as a set. Furthermore, it reduces variations that may occur between the first and second connecting components due to differences in mold positions or manufacturing lines, thereby improving product quality.

[0047] (5) The depth of the relief groove is 0.5 mm or more. A rail member as described in any of (1) to (4) above. If the relief groove has a depth of 0.5 mm or more, attempting to vacuum form or pressure form it as a single component without dividing it into upper and lower components will cause the relief groove to collide with the mold during demolding. Forcibly demolding in this state will distort the product and lead to defects. However, according to the rail component of this disclosure, even if it has a relief groove of the depth described above, it is possible to form it by vacuum forming or pressure forming.

[0048] (6) The first opposing surface of the first member facing the second member, or the second opposing surface of the second member facing the first member, has at least one rib rising from the first opposing surface or the second opposing surface. A rail member as described in any of (1) to (5) above. This rail member allows for, for example, an improvement in the strength of the rail member.

[0049] (7) A method for manufacturing a rail member for holding a slider in a linear guide device, A molding step of forming a first thermoplastic resin member that forms the upper part of the rail member and a second thermoplastic resin member that forms the lower part of the rail member by vacuum forming or pressure forming, The process includes a connecting step of connecting the first member and the second member, The aforementioned connection process forms relief grooves on each of the two sides of the rail member, extending along the longitudinal direction of the rail member, the upper edge of the relief groove being part of the first member, and the lower edge of the relief groove being part of the second member. A method for manufacturing rail components. This rail member allows for the manufacture of a rail member for holding the slider of a linear guide device by vacuum forming or pressure forming, even when relief grooves are provided on the side surface of the rail member. Specifically, since this rail member is constructed by connecting two members, a first member including the upper edge of the relief groove and a second member including the lower edge of the relief groove, it can be manufactured by vacuum forming or pressure forming even when, for example, the relief groove is perpendicular to the release direction when releasing from a mold. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0050] 1,100: Rail member, 10,110: First member, 11: First opposing surface, 12,112: First fitting part, 13: First rolling groove, 14: Upper edge of relief groove, 20,120: Second member, 21: Second opposing surface, 22,122: Second fitting part, 23: Second rolling groove, 24: Lower edge of relief groove, 31: Connecting member, 33: Rail-side rolling path, 34: Relief groove, 50: Slider, 51: Rolling element, 52: Rolling element retainer, 115: Rib, d: Depth, w1~w3: Width

Claims

1. A rail member for holding the slider of a linear guide device, A first member made of thermoplastic resin that forms the upper part of the rail member, A second member made of thermoplastic resin that forms the lower part of the rail member, Equipped with, The first member is, The first opposing surface and, The first fitting portion provided on the first opposing surface, It has, The second member is, The second opposing surface and, The second fitting portion provided on the second opposing surface, It has, With the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion fitted together, relief grooves extending along the longitudinal direction of the rail member are provided on each of the two sides of the rail member. The upper edge of the relief groove is part of the first member, and the lower edge of the relief groove is part of the second member. The slider has rolling elements and rolling element retainers, With the slider held by the rail member, the rolling element retainer is positioned within the relief groove. Rail components.

2. A rail member for holding a slider of a linear guide device, A first member made of thermoplastic resin that forms the upper part of the rail member, A second member made of thermoplastic resin that forms the lower part of the rail member, Equipped with, The first member is, The first opposing surface and, The first fitting portion provided on the first opposing surface, It has, The second member is, The second opposing surface and The second fitting portion provided on the second opposing surface, It has, With the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion fitted together, relief grooves extending along the longitudinal direction of the rail member are provided on each of the two sides of the rail member. The upper edge of the relief groove is part of the first member, and the lower edge of the relief groove is part of the second member. The width of the central part of the rail member in the longitudinal direction is greater than the width of both ends of the rail member in the longitudinal direction. Rail components.

3. A rail member for holding a slider of a linear guide device, A first member made of thermoplastic resin that forms the upper part of the rail member, A second member made of thermoplastic resin that forms the lower part of the rail member, A connecting member made of thermoplastic resin is connected to the first member and the second member, Equipped with, The first member is, The first opposing surface and, The first fitting portion provided on the first opposing surface, It has, The second member is, The second opposing surface and, The second fitting portion provided on the second opposing surface, It has, With the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion fitted together, relief grooves extending along the longitudinal direction of the rail member are provided on each of the two sides of the rail member. The upper edge of the relief groove is part of the first member, and the lower edge of the relief groove is part of the second member. The first member, the second member, and the connecting member are integrally formed. Rail components.

4. The depth of the relief groove is 0.5 mm or more. The rail member according to claim 1.

5. Ribs are provided on the first opposing surface or the second opposing surface, The rail member according to claim 1.

6. A method for manufacturing a rail member for holding a slider of a linear guide device, A step of integrally forming a first thermoplastic resin member having a first opposing surface and a first fitting portion provided on the first opposing surface, and forming the upper part of the rail member, and a second thermoplastic resin member having a second opposing surface and a second fitting portion provided on the second opposing surface, and forming the lower part of the rail member, by vacuum forming or pressure forming, The process involves fitting the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion together such that relief grooves extending along the longitudinal direction of the rail member are provided on each of the two sides of the rail member, Includes, The upper edge of the relief groove is part of the first member, and the lower edge of the relief groove is part of the second member. A method for manufacturing rail components.

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