Polymeric composite insert component for a scroll compressor

A scroll compressor comprising:

• a polymeric composite insert component comprising a polymer and at least one reinforcing or lubricating particle, wherein the polymeric composite insert component further comprises:
• an annular body having a first annular inner surface defining a first centrally-disposed opening having a central axis extending therethrough;
• and
• an axial projection extending from the annular body;
• a partition plate comprising a second centrally-disposed opening, wherein the second centrally-disposed opening is aligned with the first centrally-disposed opening with respect to the central axis;
• and
• a floating seal assembly having a third centrally-disposed opening, wherein the third centrally-disposed opening is aligned with the first centrally-disposed opening and the second centrally-disposed opening with respect to the central axis, the polymeric composite insert component is disposed between the partition plate and the floating seal assembly, and the polymeric composite insert component is configured to fluidly seal a first interface defined between the polymeric composite insert component and the partition plate, and a second interface defined between the polymeric composite insert component and the floating seal assembly during operation of the scroll compressor.

A method of assembling a scroll compressor comprising:

• aligning a first centrally-disposed opening of a polymeric composite insert component with a second centrally-disposed opening of a partition plate along a central axis, wherein the polymeric composite insert component comprises a polymer and at least one reinforcing or lubricating particle and defines an annular body comprising the first centrally-disposed opening having the central axis extending therethrough;
• orienting a plurality of circumferentially-disposed tabs on the polymeric composite insert component toward the partition plate, each respective circumferentially-disposed tab of the plurality projecting axially from a side of the annular body and comprising a fixed end connected to the annular body, a free end opposite the fixed end, an arm extending between the fixed end and the free end, and a radially-outwardly extending lip disposed at the free end;
• contacting a sloped surface of the free end of the lip of each respective circumferentially-disposed tab with the partition plate;
• and
• translating the polymeric composite insert component toward the partition plate and causing the lips of the respective circumferentially-disposed tabs of the plurality to deflect radially inwardly until the lips snap radially outwardly and engage the partition plate to retain the polymeric composite insert component on the partition plate, and a surface defined by the side of the annular body engages the partition plate, wherein the polymeric composite insert component is configured to fluidly seal an interface defined between the surface and the partition plate during operation of the scroll compressor.