IMPROVED SEGMENTED BEARING RETAINER

摘要

A bearing cage assembly (100) comprises a plurality of discrete bridge elements (206) disposed between adjacent rolling elements (112) and coupled between first and second axially spaced cage support wire rings (102, 104) which are appropriately tensioned. Spacers (110) are disposed between adjacent bridge elements and engage the bridge elements in a piloted engagement. The bridge elements maintain a separation between rolling elements, retain the rolling elements within the bearing assembly, and function as a lubrication reservoir for grease lubricated bearings. Profiled surfaces on the bridge elements position the bearing cage assembly on at least one axial end of the rolling elements.