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NECK V2

Here is the table showing the visual differences in between the First version of the iCub neck and the updated version 2 neck (NECK V2)

Neck V1 - First 2 DOFs
Neck V2 - First 2 DOFs

The second release of the neck has 2 tendons and two differential joints to actuate the first 2 DoFs of the neck compared to the 2 serial joints of the previous version of the neck (V1).

It makes it more robust, powerful and reliable.

1 Mechanical assembly of the 2 tendons:

Fast Forward

If you already have a spare tendon from your maintenance kit please jump to 2

Prepare 2 cables with the components and specifics described below:

IITCODE Alias Descption
1001 U0778110 Stainless steel microcable, cable construction 7x7mm - (Coated ext 1.0 mm / core 0.81 mm) - CARL STAHL GMBH
2717 RC_IIT_010_P_064 D ext/int = 2.4 mm/0.85 mm - length 3.5 mm -- material X5CrNiMo1712-AIS1316

Head CABLE “A”: IITCODE: 5965 -- Alias: RC_IIT_019_G_018.

testa icubV2

Head CABLE “B”: IITCODE: 5964 -- Alias : RC_IIT_019_G_017.

testa icubV2

Note that the “X” marks in the picture above is the area where the Teflon coating needs to be peeled off.

All dimensions are in mm.

2 Mounting Procedure

2.1 Block version identification

Where yields the difference Cable Block 1 Cable Block 2
Tightening System 2 nut screws M2.5x2.5 + Plate 2 screws M2x3

2.2 Rules of Thumb (RoT) for a Perfect START:

Blocking

Always block the cable in the peeled off Teflon section.

Positioning

The longest part of the cable should be facing toward the front of the robot and vice-versa the shortest part should be pointing toward the rear of the robot.

Releasing

Make sure that all tensioners are fully opened.

Tip

To block the cable with Cable Block 1 do the following:

1- Insert the little plate by the front of the neck and push it with any little tool in order to put it in the middle of the throat

2- Make sure the nut screws are already placed in their hole for one turn in their thread.

3- Use a magnet to lift it up in the excavation in the middle of the throat. (see picture below).In this way the throat is free to receive the cable.

4- Insert the cable and use the 2 nut screws (M2.5x2.5) to press the metallic plate above the cable.

5- Check that the cable firmly remains in position even if pulling the cable out.

plate_trick

2.3 Route Cable ”A”

testa icubV2

Start with the longest part of the cable which rolls around the main pulley and turn around the pulley (2) to finally rolls around pulley (3). Use pulley Y to both tense and give more slack to the cable to put the crimp the head of the crimp into the lower tensioner. once tense on side of the cable simply turn around pulley (1) the other side of the cable for a ¾ turn and finally insert the crimp onto the lower tensioner of the pulley (4).

2.4 Route Cable “B”

ICUB_HEAD_Wiring_B

Follow the diagram above to rewire cable B in the same way as cable A but using the pulley X.

2.5 Final Tensioning

ICUB_HEAD_wiring_tension

Adjust the tension of both cables with the 4 tensioners. 1 and 2 for Cable A, 3 and 4 for Cable B