The V7 compressor is a variable displacement compressor that can match the automotive air conditioning demand under all conditions without cycling. The basic compressor mechanism is a variable angle wobble-plate with seven axially oriented cylinders. A bellows actuated control valve located in the rear head of the compressor senses the compressor suction pressure and is the center of control for the compressor displacement. The crankcase-suction differential controls both the wobble-plate and the compressor displacement. When the A/C capacity demand is high, the suction pressure will be above the control point. The control valve will maintain a bleed from crankcase to suction which causes no crankcase-suction pressure differential giving the compressor maximum displacement. When the A/C capacity demand is lower and the suction pressure reaches the control point, the valve will bleed discharge gas into the crankcase and close of a passage from the crankcase to the suction plenum. The wobble-plate angle is controlled by a force balance on the seven pistons. A slight increase in the crankcase-suction pressure differential creates a force on the pistons. This results in a movement of the wobble-plate pivot pin that reduces the plate angle.

The compressor has a unique lubrication system. The crankcase-suction bleed is routed through the rotating wobble-plate for lubrication of the wobble-plate bearing. The rotation acts an oil separator, removing some of the oil from the crankcase-suction bleed, and rerouting the oil to the crankcase where the oil can lubricate the compressor mechanism.