Bearing cage, bearing cage segment, and method for assembling the bearing cage

A method for manufacturing a bearing cage for a rolling-element bearing comprising:

• providing at least one assembly wire;
• providing a plurality of bearing cage segments configured to receive rolling elements in rolling-element pockets formed by the bearing cage segments, wherein each of the plurality of bearing cage segments includes a coupling arrangement configured to arrange the plurality of bearing cage segments on the at least one assembly wire;
• threading the plurality of bearing cage segments onto the at least one assembly wire, or vice versa, so that the plurality of bearing cage segments are disposed end to end in the circumferential direction on the at least one assembly wire and
• providing an installation device configured to convey an end of the assembly wire from an installation position to an axially far-side coupling arrangement of a bearing cage segment, through the axially far-side coupling arrangement of all bearing cage segments located on a bearing inner ring, and back again towards the installation position.

A bearing cage for a rolling-element bearing, the bearing cage comprising:

• a plurality of bearing cage segments comprising a first circumferential bridge and a second circumferential bridge joined by at least one connecting bridge, the plurality of bearing cage segments defining rolling-element pockets configured to receive rolling elements,
• a first set of wire retainers at the first circumferential bridge;
• a second set of wire retainers at the second circumferential bridge;
• at least one assembly wire extending through the first set of wire retainers and securing the plurality of bearing cage segments to one another;
• and
• a wire guide between the first circumferential bridge and the second circumferential bridge, the wire guide including a two through openings which are axially oriented,
• wherein the at least one assembly wire is supported by at least the first set of wire retainers and the wire guide.