Rolling element bearing cage with improved pilot surface lubrication

摘要

The present invention provides a bearing cage comprising a centrifugal lubricant catcher and axial grooves for improved pilot surface lubrication. The centrifugal lubricant catcher may be a lip running circumferentially around one edge of the inner surface of the bearing cage and the axial grooves extend axially from the edge of the centrifugal lubricant catcher across the inner surface of the bearing cage. During operation, lubricant is captured by the lubricant catcher and centrifugally distributed to the piloting surfaces by the axial grooves. A method for using the bearing cage of the present invention is also provided.