Vertically adjustable adaptor for a work vehicle implement

An adaptor configured to move a work vehicle implement includes a work vehicle portion that includes a first receiver interface configured to couple to a work vehicle. The first receiver interface includes at least one receiver locking feature configured to non-movably couple the work vehicle portion to the first connector interface. The adaptor also includes a work implement portion moveably coupled to the work vehicle portion and a second connector interface configured to couple to a second receiver interface of the work vehicle implement. The adaptor also includes a track system comprising a slot disposed within the work vehicle portion and a slider disposed on the work implement portion, wherein the slider is configured to move along the slot, and at least one actuator configured to actuate the work implement portion with respect to the work vehicle portion along a guide path.

BACKGROUND

The disclosure relates generally to a vertically adjustable adaptor for a work vehicle implement.

Certain work vehicles (e.g., tractors, skid steers, etc.) include a cab configured to house an operator and a chassis configured to support the cab. The chassis is also configured to support wheels and/or tracks to facilitate movement of the work vehicle relative to a ground surface. In addition, various mechanical components of the work vehicle, such as a motor, a transmission, and a hydraulic system, among other components, may be supported by the chassis and/or disposed within an interior of the chassis. Certain work vehicles (e.g., skid steers) have an arm rotatably coupled to the chassis and configured to support an implement (e.g., dozer blade, grapple, etc.). For example, the arm may support a dozer blade to facilitate earth-moving operations. Accordingly, the horizontal forces experienced by the dozer blade are transmitted through the arm to the chassis via an arm pivot joint. However, the maximum force rating of the dozer blade may be limited due to a maximum horizontal force rating of the arm. Therefore, to support a greater horizontal load, the arm may be supported by the chassis of the work vehicle while the arm is in a lowered position, or the dozer blade may be non-movably coupled directly to the chassis of the work vehicle. Unfortunately, in such configurations, the dozer blade cannot move in a vertical direction while experiencing the greater horizontal load.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In one embodiment, an adaptor configured to move a work vehicle implement includes a work vehicle portion that includes a first receiver interface configured to couple to a work vehicle. The first receiver interface includes at least one receiver locking feature configured to non-movably couple the work vehicle portion to the first connector interface. The adaptor also includes a work implement portion moveably coupled to the work vehicle portion. The work implement portion includes a second connector interface configured to couple to a corresponding second receiver interface of the work vehicle implement, and the second connector interface comprises at least one connector locking feature configured to non-movably couple the work implement portion to the second receiver interface. The adaptor also includes a track system comprising a slot disposed within the work vehicle portion and a slider disposed on the work implement portion, wherein the slider is configured to move along the slot, and at least one actuator configured to actuate the work implement portion with respect to the work vehicle portion along a guide path.

In another embodiment, a system for actuating a work vehicle implement, including a work vehicle arm. The system also includes a work vehicle member configured to support the work vehicle arm while the work vehicle arm is in a lowered position. Moreover, the system also includes a first connector interface coupled to the work vehicle arm. Further, the system includes an actuatable adaptor having a work vehicle portion that includes a first receiver interface configured to couple the first connector interface. The first receiver interface includes at least one receiver locking feature configured to non-movably couple the work vehicle portion to the first connector interface. The adaptor further includes a work implement portion moveably coupled to the work vehicle portion. The work implement portion includes a second connector interface configured to couple to a second receiver interface of the work vehicle implement. The second connector interface includes at least one connector locking feature configured to non-movably couple the work implement portion to the second receiver interface. The adaptor further includes at least one actuator configured to actuate the work implement attachment with respect to the work vehicle mounting portion along a guide path.

In a further embodiment, a system for actuating a work vehicle implement, including a work vehicle arm. The system also includes a first connector interface coupled to the work vehicle arm. Further, the system includes an actuatable adaptor having a work vehicle portion that includes a first receiver interface configured to couple the first connector interface. The first receiver interface includes at least one receiver locking feature configured to non-movably couple the work vehicle portion to the first connector interface. The adaptor further includes a work implement portion moveably coupled to the work vehicle portion. The work implement portion includes a second connector interface configured to couple to a second receiver interface of the work vehicle implement. The second connector interface includes at least one connector locking feature configured to non-movably couple the work implement portion to the second receiver interface. Moreover, the system further includes a control system having a processor and a memory. The control system is configured to block at least one arm actuator from raising the work vehicle arm if the first receiver interface of the actuatable adaptor is coupled to the first connector interface of the work vehicle, or block the at least one actuator of the actuatable adaptor from extending if the work vehicle arm is raised from a lowered position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1Ais a perspective view of an embodiment of a work vehicle100and a work vehicle implement300(e.g., a dozer blade) coupled to the work vehicle100by an adaptor200. In the illustrated embodiment, the work vehicle100is a skid steer. However, it should be appreciated that the work vehicle may be any suitable type of work vehicle, such as a tractor, dozer, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the work vehicle100includes a cab102, a chassis126, and an arm assembly106. In certain embodiments, the chassis is configured to house a motor (e.g., diesel engine, etc.), a hydraulic system (e.g., including a pump, valves, a reservoir, etc.), and other components (e.g., an electrical system, a cooling system, etc.) that facilitate operation of the work vehicle. In addition, the chassis is configured to support the cab102and tracks108. The tracks108may be driven to rotate by the motor and/or by component(s) of the hydraulic system (e.g., hydraulic motor(s), etc.). While the illustrated work vehicle100includes tracks, it should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the work vehicle may include wheels or a combination of wheels and tracks108.

The cab102is configured to house an operator of the work vehicle100. Accordingly, various controls, such as a hand controller, are positioned within the cab102to facilitate operator control of the work vehicle100. For example, the controls may enable the operator to control the rotational speed of the tracks, thereby facilitating adjustment of the speed and/or the direction of the work vehicle100. In certain embodiments, the cab may include a door to facilitate ingress and egress of the operator from the cab.

In the illustrated embodiment, the arm assembly106is configured to couple to the adaptor200and to support a load on the work vehicle implement300. The arm assembly106has a first arm112and a second arm114each rotatably coupled to the chassis126by a respective pivot joint156and configured to couple to the adaptor200. The arm assembly106includes at least one arm actuator116configured to extend and retract to control the position of the first and second arms112,114(e.g., raise, lower, etc.). Additionally, the arm assembly106includes a tilt assembly configured to control rotation of the adaptor200. In some embodiments, the work vehicle implement300includes the tilt assembly306coupled to the adaptor200. The tilt assembly306includes a hydraulic cylinder308configured to drive rotation of the work implement. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the term “arm assembly” as generally used here not only refers to the first and second arms, but also to an input device or devices (e.g., one or more hand controllers, levers, etc.) and other components sufficient to facilitate operation of the arms, such as pump(s), hose(s), valve(s), fitting(s), hydraulic cylinder(s), hardware, and so forth.

In the illustrated embodiment, arms of the arm assembly106are movable between a lowered position120and a raised position. While in a lowered position, the arms are supported so the dozer blade can support a larger horizontal load.

The work vehicle may include mechanical stops to support the arms of the arm assembly106while the arms are in the lowered position. The mechanical stops transfer a portion of the load from the arm assembly106to the work vehicle chassis126, thereby enabling the arm assembly to support a larger horizontal load. To support the arms of the arm assembly106, the mechanical stops contact the arms while the arms are in the lowered position. The mechanical stops are attached to the chassis126of the work vehicle100on a lower front portion of the chassis126. The mechanical stops are configured to contact a portion of each arm of the arm assembly106that is positioned proximate the lower front portion of the chassis126. Thus, the mechanical stops are configured to support the arms of the arm assembly106while the arms are in the lowered position120. In some embodiments, a single mechanical stop may support both the first and the second arms of the arm assembly106.

Because the mechanical stops support the arms of the arm assembly106while the arms are in the lowered position120, the dozer blade may support heavy loads while the arms are in the lowered position120. While the work vehicle implement is a dozer blade in this embodiment, the work vehicle implement could be other suitable work vehicle implements. To enable the dozer blade to move in a vertical direction132while the arms are in the lowered position, an adaptor200, which couples the dozer blade to the arm assembly106, may drive the dozer blade to move in the vertical direction.

In some embodiments, the adaptor is coupled directly to the work vehicle chassis126, thereby, obviating the mechanical stops. Loads on the work vehicle implement300are transferred from the work vehicle implement to the arms of the arm assembly106via the adaptor200. The mechanical stops are configured to extend out from the chassis to engage the arms of the arm assembly such that loads on the arms are transferred from the arms to the chassis126via the mechanical stops. When the adaptor is coupled to the work vehicle, loads on the work implement are transferred from the work vehicle implement directly to the chassis via the adaptor, thereby obviating the mechanical stops.

FIG. 1Bis a perspective view of the work vehicle100and the work vehicle implement300ofFIG. 1A, in which the work vehicle implement is in a raised position. In the illustrated embodiment, the adaptor200is configured to move the work vehicle implement300(e.g., a dozer blade) with respect to the work vehicle. In some embodiments, the adaptor200is configured to move the work vehicle implement300in a substantially vertical direction132. The adaptor200includes a work vehicle portion202, an implement portion204moveably attached to the work vehicle portion, and a pair of actuators250configured to move the work implement portion204of the adaptor200with respect to the work vehicle portion202of the adaptor200. In some embodiments, the adaptor includes a single actuator, however, in other embodiments, the adaptor includes a plurality of actuators. In some embodiments, the pair of actuators250move the work implement portion204with respect to the work vehicle portion202along a substantially linear guide path206, which is oriented at an angle relative to the vertical axis132and the longitudinal axis148. The angle between the vertical axis and the substantially linear guide path is less than forty-five degrees.

FIG. 1Cis an exploded view of the work vehicle100, the adaptor200, and the work vehicle implement300ofFIG. 1A. The adaptor200includes the work vehicle portion202and work implement portion204connected at a moveable interface208. In the illustrated embodiment, the work vehicle portion202of the adaptor includes a first receiver interface210configured to couple to a first connector interface134of the work vehicle100. In some embodiments, the arm assembly106may include the first connector interface134. For example, the first connector interface134may be disposed on the arms of the arm assembly106proximate a lower portion136of the arm assembly106such that the adaptor200may be coupled to the work vehicle in a position proximate to the ground. Further, the first connector interface134is disposed on an outer portion140of the arm assembly106proximate the lower portion136(e.g., the portion of the arm assembly106opposite the portion facing the chassis). In some embodiments, the first connector interface134is connected to the first arm112and/or the second arm114of the arm assembly106. In some embodiments, the first connector interface134may be coupled to a mounting plate. The mounting plate may be coupled to the arm assembly106at the outer portion140or the arm assembly106. However, the mounting portion may be coupled to the arm assembly106from a position between the first and second arms of the arm assembly106, and in some embodiments, the mounting plate may be couple to an inner portion144of the arm assembly106. Additionally, the mounting plate may be removable. The mounting plate is configured to provide additional mounting options for coupling the first connector interface to the work vehicle.

In another embodiment, the first connector interface134is coupled to the chassis126of the work vehicle100. The first connector interface134may be disposed on a lower front portion128of the chassis126such that the adaptor200may be coupled to the work vehicle in a position proximate to the ground. Additionally, the first connector interface134may be disposed on a central portion146of the chassis126to direct the load from the work vehicle implement300along the centerline of the work vehicle. Additionally, the load experienced by the work vehicle implement300may transfer to chassis126at the location of the first connector interface134. In some cases, the work vehicle may not be capable of supporting heavy loads. The work vehicle may include at least one support element configured to support portions of the work vehicle at the first connector interface134. The support element may be a reinforcement strut configured to distribute a portion of the load to another portion of the work vehicle. In an embodiment having the first connector interface disposed on the arms of the arm assembly, the support elements may be configured to support the work vehicle at a location of the mechanical stops124. In some embodiments, the support element may include reinforced plating disposed proximate the first connector interface134. In another embodiment, the first connector interface134may be disposed on a front portion of the chassis of the work vehicle.

In the illustrated embodiment, the work implement portion204of the adaptor200includes a second connector interface212configured to couple to a second receiver interface302of the work vehicle implement300. The work vehicle implement300may be a dozer blade, bale spear, etc. having a working face304configured to contact the work material (e.g., soil, debris, etc.). The second receiver interface302may be disposed on a portion of the work vehicle implement300opposite the working face304.

In some embodiments, the first receiver interface210of the work vehicle portion202of the adaptor200is substantially similar to the second receiver interface302of the work vehicle implement300, and the first connector interface134of the work vehicle arm is substantially similar to the second connector interface212of the work implement portion204of the adaptor200. Therefore, the first connector interface134may be configured to attach to either the first receiver interface210of the adaptor200or to the second receiver interface302of the work vehicle implement300. In some cases, an operator may choose to remove the adaptor200when using a tool that is not expected to experience large horizontal loads or when vertical movement of the dozer blade is not needed. In these cases, the operator may attach the first connector interface134of the work vehicle directly to the second receiver interface302of the work vehicle implement300.

FIG. 2Ais a cross-sectional view of the connector interface134of the work vehicle100ofFIG. 1A. In the illustrated embodiment, the first connector interface134includes a connector interface feature150. The connector interface feature150includes a protrusion. However, the connector interface may include a lip, tongue, ridge, or another suitable feature. The protrusion may be configured to engage a corresponding receiver interface feature214to block movement of the receiver interface with respect to the connector interface in at least a downward direction of the adaptor along the vertical axis132. In some embodiments, the protrusion is configured to fit within an opening260of the receiver interface feature214. As part of coupling the connector interface134to the receiver interface210, the protrusion may be configured to slide into the opening260. The contact between the protrusion and the opening blocks movement of the connector interface134with respect to the receiver interface210in multiple directions. For example, if the protrusion slides into the opening260substantially along a horizontal axis148, then the contact between the protrusion and the recess260may block movement of the protrusion and the connector interface axis, except for the horizontal axis148, with respect to the receiver interface. The above example illustrates a restrictive fit between a protrusion and a recess260, however, by the same principle, contact between other connector interface feature150and receiver interface feature214similarly block movement.

The first connector interface includes at least one connector locking feature152configured to enable coupling of the first connector interface134to the first receiver interface210. For example, the first connector interface134may include at least one connector locking feature152configured to enable coupling the work vehicle100to the work vehicle portion202of the adaptor200.

As discussed above, the connector interface feature150and the receiver interface feature214are configured to block movement in multiple directions. However, the connector interface feature and the receiver interface feature may not block movement along the horizontal axis148proximate a bottom portion of the first receiver interface210. The connector locking feature152may be configured to couple to the receiver locking feature220to block movement along the horizontal axis148at the bottom portion of the first receiver interface. The at least one connector locking feature is configured to the receiver locking feature to block movement the connector interface134and the receiver interface210from separating.

The connector locking feature152may include an actuatable member154configured to engage with a corresponding receiver locking feature220of the work implement. As discussed above, in some embodiments, the receiver locking feature220may have a similar shape and size as the connector locking feature with the actuatable member extended to allow for actuation of the connector locking feature152within the receiver locking feature220. The connector locking feature152is configured to fit within the receiver locking feature220. In some embodiments, the connector locking feature152is configured to move into the receiver locking feature220along a first direction. Once the connector locking feature moves into the receiver locking feature220, the actuatable member154is configured to expand or extend out from the connector locking feature152into a portion of the receiver locking feature220to block movement of the connector interface and the receiver interface along the first direction.

In some embodiments, the connector locking feature152is configured to actuate from a position within the connector interface to a position protruding from connector interface. In some embodiments, the connector locking feature152is configured to actuate downwardly along the axis132, which is in a direction toward the ground. However, the connector locking feature152may be configured to actuate from the connector interface in any suitable direction.

The connector locking feature152may be configured to actuate by extending the actuatable member154to a locked position. The connector locking feature152is configured to actuate between a locked position and an unlocked position to facilitate a detachable connection between the first receiver interface210and the first connector interface134.

FIG. 2Bis a cross-sectional view of the first receiver interface210of the adaptor200ofFIG. 1A. In the illustrated embodiment, the first receiver interface210includes a cavity280and the receiver interface feature214. The receiver interface feature214may include a groove, recess, opening, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the receiver interface feature214includes multiple grooves, recesses, openings, or some combination thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the receiver interface feature214is disposed proximate a top portion216of the cavity. However, the receiver interface feature214may be disposed on any suitable portion of the receiver interface.

In some embodiments, the receiver interface feature214is configured to receive the corresponding connector interface feature150. The shape and size of the receiver interface feature214and the corresponding connector interface feature150substantially match to block movement of the receiver interface with respect to the connector interface in at least a downward direction of the adaptor substantially along the vertical axis132. For example, the receiver interface feature214includes a groove disposed proximate a top portion216of the cavity280. The corresponding connector interface includes a tongue. The groove may be configured to receive the tongue such that the tongue enters the groove while moving upwardly substantially along the vertical axis132. Once the tongue fully engages the groove, the tongue blocks the adaptor200from moving downwardly substantially along the vertical axis132. Additionally, preventing movement via a restrictive fit may provide structural support for at the connector and receiver interfaces.

In some embodiments, the receiver interface feature214may block movement of the receiver interface with respect to the connector interface in multiple directions. Blocking movement in a plurality of directions via a restrictive fit between the first connector interface134and the first receiver interface210may provide additional structural support for at the connector and receiver interfaces.

In some embodiments, the first receiver interface210comprises at least one receiver locking feature220configured to enable coupling of the first receiver interface210to the first connector interface134. The receiver locking feature220is configured to receive the corresponding connector locking feature152of the first connector interface134to substantially block movement in at least a horizontal direction148. The receiver locking feature220includes an opening260. However, the receiver locking feature includes a recess, bore, or another suitable feature. In some embodiments, the opening may have a non-constant width or diameter along the depth of the opening. For example, the opening260of the first receiver interface210includes the opening260beginning at a surface222of the first receiver interface210that extends into the body of the work vehicle portion202of the adaptor200. At some depth the opening260may increase its diameter or width to match the shape or size of a corresponding connector locking feature152. In some embodiments, the opening260may comprise an elbow that changes directions of the recess260. The elbow may change a direction of the recess260by ninety degrees. In other embodiments, the elbow may change the direction of the recess260by substantially more or less than ninety degrees. The connector locking feature may be configured to extend the actuatable member154at the elbow of the opening.

In some embodiments, the receiver locking feature220includes a bore224in a portion of the receiver interface. The bore extends completely through a portion of the receiver interface. The bore may have a circular cross section. However, the cross section of the bore may take any suitable shape (e.g., a rectangular cross section). In some embodiments, the receiver interface210comprises a plurality of bores. The actuatable member154of the connector locking feature152is configured to extend into the bore to block movement of the adaptor200away from the first connector interface134.

FIG. 3Ais a perspective view of the adaptor200ofFIG. 1Ain a fully retracted position238. The work vehicle portion202of the adaptor200includes a top section242and bottom section244. Further, the work implement portion204of the adaptor200includes a top section246and bottom section248. The adaptor200is configured to move the work implement portion204in a substantially vertical direction132with respect to the work vehicle portion202of the adaptor200. The adaptor200is configured to move the work implement portion204between the fully retracted position238and a fully extended position240. In the fully retracted position238, the bottom section244of the work vehicle portion202and the bottom section248of the work implement portion204are substantially vertically aligned. Furthermore, in the retracted position, the bottom sections are disposed proximate the ground.

FIG. 3Bis a perspective view of the adaptor200ofFIG. 1Ain a fully extended position240. The adaptor200moves the work implement portion204vertically upward with respect to the work vehicle portion202to transition from the fully retracted position238to the fully extended position240. The work vehicle portion202remains substantially stationary with respect to the work vehicle arm as the adaptor200transitions to the fully extended position240. Thus, in the fully extended position240, the bottom section248of the work implement portion204may be substantially vertically aligned with the top section242of the work vehicle portion202. Further, the work vehicle portion202remains disposed proximate the ground. However, the work implement portion204is raised up from the ground when the adaptor200is in the fully extended position240.

In some embodiments, the adaptor200includes a pair of actuators250configured to move the work implement portion204from the fully retracted position238to the fully extended position240. The actuators250may be a linear actuators. The actuators250may drive the work implement portion204to move substantially along the vertical axis132. However, in some embodiments, the actuators250may move the work implement portion204in a vertically offset direction252having an angle offset from the vertical axis132. In some embodiments, the actuators250comprise at least one hydraulic cylinder, pneumatic cylinder, electric cylinder, manual cylinder, or a combination thereof.

The actuators250include a piston assembly254having a base256, a piston258, and piston cylinder262. In some embodiments, the base256is coupled to the work vehicle portion202of the adaptor200proximate the bottom section244of the work vehicle portion202. Attaching the base256proximate the bottom section244enables the bottom section248of the work implement portion204to retract to a position proximate the bottom section244of the work vehicle portion202. The piston cylinder262may be configured to attach to the work implement portion204proximate a top section246of the work implement portion204. In an embodiment with a hydraulic actuator, the work implement portion204includes a recess282extending from the bottom section to the top section246of the work implement portion204. The recess is configured to accommodate the piston cylinder262. The piston cylinder is configured to slide into the recess282and attach mount to the work implement portion proximate the top section246. A hydraulic system may be connected to a portion of the recess282to hydraulically actuate the piston cylinder262to extend and retract the work implement portion with respect to the work vehicle portion between the fully extended position240and fully retracted position238. However, the piston cylinder may be configured to move the work implement portion with respect to the work vehicle portion to a position between the fully extended position and the fully retracted position.

In some embodiments, the adaptor200includes a track system266configured to movably attach the work implement portion204to the work vehicle portion202. Further, the track system266is configured to substantially block movement of the work implement portion204with respect to the work vehicle portion202in a direction perpendicular to a guide path. As such, the track system266is configured restrain movement of the adaptor200to the guide path between the retracted position and extended position. In some embodiments, the actuators250are aligned with the guide path such that the track system266limits movement of the work implement portion204to a direction of actuation of the actuators250.

The track system266includes at least one slot disposed in the work vehicle portion202. In the illustrated embodiment, the work vehicle portion202includes two slots that extend from the bottom section244to the top section242. A right slot272is disposed on a right side of the work vehicle portion202, and a left slot274is disposed on a left side of the work vehicle portion202. The track system266further includes at least one slider configured to move along the at least one slot as the actuators250extend and retract. In the illustrated embodiment, the work implement portion204includes two sliders extending from the bottom section248to the top section246. A right slider276is disposed on a right side of the work implement portion204, and a left slider278is disposed on a left side of the work implement portion204. The left slider278is configured to be disposed in the left slot274, and the right slider276is configured to fit in the right slot272. As the actuators250extend and retract, the left slider278and the right slider276slide along the left slot274and right slot272respectively. In some embodiments, work vehicle portion includes sliders, and the work implement portion includes slots.

FIG. 4is a block diagram of an embodiment of a control system400that may be employed within the work vehicle ofFIG. 1A. The control system includes a controller402having a processor, such as the illustrated microprocessor404, and a memory device406. The controller402may also include one or more storage devices and/or other suitable components. Moreover, the processor404may include multiple microprocessors, one or more “general-purpose” microprocessors, one or more special-purpose microprocessors, and/or one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICS), or some combination thereof. For example, the processor404may include one or more reduced instruction set (RISC) processors.

The memory device406may include a volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and/or a nonvolatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM). The memory device406may store a variety of information and may be used for various purposes. For example, the memory device406may store processor-executable instructions (e.g., firmware or software) for the processor404to execute. The storage device(s) (e.g., nonvolatile storage) may include ROM, flash memory, a hard drive, or any other suitable optical, magnetic, or solid-state storage medium, or a combination thereof. The storage device(s) may store data (e.g., position data, vehicle geometry data, etc.), instructions (e.g., software or firmware), and any other suitable data.

In certain embodiments, the controller402is configured to instruct a valve assembly408to control hydraulic fluid flow from a hydraulic fluid source410to the at least one arm actuator116, which is configured to raise and lower the arms of the arm assembly. Additionally, the controller is configured to instruct the valve assembly408to control hydraulic fluid flow from the hydraulic fluid source to the adaptor piston assembly254to move the adaptor between the fully extended position and the fully retracted position, which respectively raises and lowers the work vehicle implement coupled to the adaptor. In some embodiments, the controller sends instructions to the valve assembly to move the at least one arm actuator and/or the adaptor piston assembly in response to a user input signal412received from a user interface414. In other embodiments, the controller sends instructions based on instructions stored in the memory device.

In some embodiments, a work vehicle sensor416is disposed on the work vehicle. The work vehicle sensor is configured to measure a position of the arms of the arm assembly and output a work vehicle sensor signal418to the controller402indicating the position of the arms. An adaptor sensor420may be disposed on the adaptor200. The adaptor sensor is configured to measure a position of the work implement portion204of the adaptor with respect to the work vehicle portion202. The adaptor sensor may measure actuation of the piston assembly254to determine the position of the work implement portion204with respect to the work vehicle portion202. Additionally, the adaptor sensor is configured to output an adaptor signal422to the controller indicating the position of the work implement portion of the adaptor with respect to the work vehicle portion.

In some embodiments, the control system400is configured to block the adaptor piston assembly254from extending to raise the work vehicle implement when the arms of the arm assembly are not in the fully lowered position. Thus, if the arms of the arm assembly are raised from the fully lowered position, then the controller402blocks actuation of the adaptor. For example, the controller, upon receiving the work vehicle sensor signal418indicating that the arms are not in the lowered position, may disregard user input signals412or instructions for the controller to cause the adaptor to raise the work vehicle implement. In some embodiments, the controller402is configured to automatically cause the adaptor200to retract to lower the work vehicle implement when the arms of the arm assembly are not in the fully lowered position.

In some embodiments, the controller402does not enable the arms of the arm assembly to move when the adaptor is coupled to the work vehicle. For Example, if the adaptor is attached and the arms of the arm assembly are in the fully lowered position, then the controller may block movement of the arms. Further, if the adaptor is attached and the arms are not in the fully lowered position, then the controller may move the arms to the fully lowered position. The controller may determine that the adaptor200is attached to the work vehicle when the controller receives the adaptor signal422from the adaptor sensor420. In another embodiment, the controller is configured to block movement of the arms when the adaptor is not in the fully retracted position. The controller may be configured to block the adaptor from raising the work vehicle implement when the arms are raised, or the controller may block movement of the arms when the adaptor is attached or not in the fully retracted position, to reduce potential stress on the arms and/or pivot joint (e.g., because the arms are in contact with the mechanical stops while in the lowered position).

While only certain features have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. For example, the work vehicle100may include the first receiver interface210, and the adaptor200may include the first connector interface134. Further, the adaptor may include the second receiver interface302, and the work vehicle implement300may include the second connector interface212. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the disclosure.