Patent Publication Number: US-11377812-B2

Title: System for coupling an implement to a work vehicle

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates generally to a system for coupling an implement to a work vehicle. 
     Certain work vehicles (e.g., tractors, harvesters, skid steers, etc.) couple to implements configured to perform work. The implements may include blades, augers, backhoes, trenchers, buckets, rakes, brooms, grapples, or other suitable pieces of equipment. The implements may couple to the work vehicle to form one or more connections. To couple the implement to the work vehicle, an operator of the work vehicle may move the work vehicle and/or an arm of the work vehicle in a precise manner to align locking feature(s) on the implement with corresponding locking feature(s) of the work vehicle. It is not uncommon for the operator to move the work vehicle and/or the arm multiple times before the implement and work vehicle are properly aligned for coupling. Additionally, implements that are not directly coupled to a frame of the work vehicle may only be supported by an arm of the work vehicle, leading to a decreased capacity for performing work. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
     In certain embodiments, a connection system for coupling a working assembly to a work vehicle includes a frame that has a mounting portion at a first longitudinal end of the frame of the connection system. The mounting portion is configured to directly couple to a frame of the work vehicle. The connection system also includes a mounting assembly at a second longitudinal end of the frame of the connection system. Additionally, the connection system includes a receiver assembly movably coupled to the frame of the connection system. The receiver assembly is configured to rotate about a point of rotation positioned along the frame of the connection system longitudinally between the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end. The receiver assembly is configured to couple to a connector assembly on an arm of the work vehicle. A top part of the receiver assembly is configured to receive a top portion of the connector assembly, and the top part of the receiver assembly is substantially longitudinally aligned with the point of rotation while the receiver assembly is in a receiving position. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1A  is a side view of an embodiment of an implement coupled to an embodiment of a work vehicle, in which the implement is in an operating position; 
         FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a connector assembly that may be employed within the work vehicle of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 1C  is a perspective view of the implement of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 2A  is a side view of the connector assembly of  FIG. 1B  adjacent to the implement of  FIG. 1A , in which the implement is in a starting position; 
         FIG. 2B  is a side view of the connector assembly of  FIG. 1B  partially coupled to the implement of  FIG. 1A , in which a receiver assembly of the implement is in a receiving position; 
         FIG. 2C  is a side view of the connector assembly of  FIG. 1B  coupled to the implement of  FIG. 1A , in which the implement is in the operating position; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the implement of  FIG. 1A  coupled to the work vehicle of  FIG. 1A ; 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1A  is a side view of an embodiment of an implement  200  coupled to an embodiment of work vehicle  100 , in which the implement is in an operating position  202 . The work vehicle  100  has a frame  102  that is supported and moved by a drive system  104  that includes a rolling assembly  105 . Alternately, a plurality of wheels or other appropriate rolling system configured to move the work vehicle  100  may be used. In certain embodiments, the work vehicle includes a parking brake that may stop the drive system from moving the work vehicle  100 . An arm assembly  106  includes an arrangement of structural members and actuators controllable by an operator, such as by operator controls  107  (e.g., hand controller(s) or lever(s)), to manipulate an implement  200 . As further shown in  FIG. 1A , the operator controls  107  for controlling the work vehicle  100  may be located within a cab. The frame  102  structurally supports the cab, which at least partially surrounds the operator. A door may provide operator ingress/egress to the cab, and window(s) or opening  108  may enable an operator to view a work environment exterior of the work vehicle, including the implement  200 . 
     It is to be understood that the term “arm assembly” as generally used here not only refers to the input device or devices (e.g., one or more hand controllers, levers, etc.), but also includes various components, such as pumps, hoses, valving, fittings, hydraulic cylinders, hardware, and so forth to control the implement  200 , such as a working assembly  204  of the implement  200  (e.g., bucket, blade), in a desired and controlled manner. The arm assembly  106  may move the implement  200  both when the work vehicle  100  is stopped and when the work vehicle  100  is moving. In the illustrated embodiment, the arm assembly  106  includes arms  110  that extend in front of the work vehicle  100  and couple to the implement  200 . In certain embodiments, the arm assembly  106  includes one arm  110  on each lateral side of the work vehicle  100 . Each arm  110  includes a tilt actuator  112  configured to manipulate (e.g., rotate, twist, move) a connector assembly  300  of the arm relative to the work vehicle  100 . The arm  110  further includes a lift actuator  114  configured to extend or contract to manipulate the arm  110  relative to the work vehicle  100 . In other embodiments, the arm assembly  106  may include one actuator, two actuators, three actuators, four actuators, five actuators, or any other quantity of actuators suitable for manipulating the arm  110  and/or the implement  200 . 
     Additionally, the implement  200  may be one of many types of implements. In certain embodiments, the implement  200  may be an asphalt miller, a bale spear, a barrier lift, a bucket, a backhoe, a cold planer, a concrete claw, demolition equipment, a dozer blade, a grapple bucket, a Harley rake, a hydraulic brush cutter, a forestry mulcher, a pallet fork, a post driver, a rock saw, a root grapple, a rotary broom, a stump grinder, a tiller, a tree shear, a trench digger, or a vibratory roller, among others. 
       FIG. 1A  further shows multiple axes and movements associated with the axes. These axes and movements are provided to correspond to associated movements of the implement  200  and/or the work vehicle  100 . For example, as shown, a longitudinal axis  120  corresponds to a direction of movement of the work vehicle  100  in a longitudinal or “straight-ahead” direction. A rotational movement  121  of the implement  200  or the work vehicle  100  is shown about the longitudinal axis  120 , sometimes referred to as “tilt” or roll.  FIG. 1A  also shows a lateral axis  122  that corresponds to a lateral or side direction with respect to the work vehicle. For example, the lateral axis  122  may align with left and right hand directions of movement. A rotational movement  123  of the implement  200  or the work vehicle  100  about axis  122  is sometimes referred to as a “back-angle” or pitch. A vertical axis  124  extends in a substantially vertical direction with respect to the vehicle. A rotational movement  125  of the implement  200  or the work vehicle  100  about axis  124  is sometimes referred to as “angle” or yaw. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the implement  200  is configured to couple to the work vehicle  100  to form two connections between the implement and the work vehicle. In certain embodiments, the implement  200  may be configured to form only one connection. A receiver assembly  400  of the implement  200  is coupled to the connector assembly  300  of the arm  110  to form a first connection  304 , and the implement  200  is coupled to the frame  102  to form a second connection  130 . As shown, coupling the implement  200  to the frame  102  to form a second connection  130  enables the work vehicle  100  to apply a larger force to the implement  200  and/or perform a greater amount of work with the implement  200 , as compared to an implement coupled to the work vehicle to form only the first connection  304  at the arm  110 . While the present embodiments include an implement  200  configured to connect to an underside of the frame  102 , it is to be understood that the implement  200  may instead be configured to couple to a front surface of the frame  102  and/or side surfaces of the frame  102 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, a vertical position of the second connection  130  is within the vertical extent  132  (e.g., maximum height, height) of the rolling assembly  105 . That is, the implement  200  couples to the frame  102  of the work vehicle  100  at a vertical location that is positioned vertically within the height of the rolling assembly  105 . By coupling at this location, the implement  200  is configured to apply force at a location on the work vehicle  100  near or proximate to the ground beneath the work vehicle  100 . Accordingly, forces applied to the work vehicle  100  may be efficiently distributed through the work vehicle  100  and/or the rolling assembly  105  of the work vehicle  100 . In embodiments in which the vertical position of the second connection  130  is above the vertical extent  132  of the rolling assembly  105 , forces applied to the work vehicle  100  via the implement  200  may cause the work vehicle  100  to tip backward in an undesired manner. Further, in embodiments in which the vertical position of second connection  130  is below the vertical extent  132  of the rolling assembly  105 , forces applied to the work vehicle  100  via the implement  200  may cause the work vehicle  100  to tip forward in an undesired manner. Accordingly, it is desirable to couple the implement  200  to the work vehicle at a vertical location that is within the vertical extent  132  of the rolling assembly  105 . 
     Systems and methods are described herein that enable the operator to initiate a coupling process for coupling the implement  200  to the work vehicle  100 . The coupling process may be used to couple the work vehicle  100  to implements  200  to form either one or more connections. In embodiments including two connections, the first connection  304  (e.g., the connection between the connector assembly  300  and the receiver assembly  400 ) may be substantially similar. That is, implements coupled to work vehicles only by the first connection may be configured to receive the same connector assembly  300  as implements  200  configured to form two connections  304 ,  130 . Accordingly, the method and systems described herein are compatible with implements configured to form only the first connection  304 . In certain embodiments, the operator may provide an input to the work vehicle  100  to indicate the number of connections the implement is configured to form. The work vehicle  100  may accordingly operate in a “heavy-duty mode” configured to perform more work and/or apply larger forces when the implement is coupled to the work vehicle to form two connections. In addition, the work vehicle  100  may operate in a “light-duty mode” when the implement is only coupled to the work vehicle to form one connection. The coupling process and the connections established by the process may be better understood with reference to  FIG. 1B , depicting the work vehicle  100  when not coupled to an implement  200 , and  FIG. 1C , depicting the implement when not coupled to a work vehicle  100 . 
     As shown in the present embodiments, one implement  200  is connected to form the two connections  304 ,  130  to the work vehicle  100 . However, in certain embodiments, two implements may be connected to the work vehicle, for example, by connecting a first implement to of the connector assembly  300  and by connecting a second implement to the frame  102  of the work vehicle. In certain embodiments, the first implement is controlled by manipulating the arm  110  of the work vehicle and the second implement is controlled by movement of the work vehicle and/or by additional actuators disposed on the work vehicle suitable for manipulating the second implement. By connecting two implements to one work vehicle, work that is more specific may be performed with the work vehicle. 
       FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the connector assembly  300  that may be employed within the work vehicle of  FIG. 1A . As illustrated, the connector assembly  300  of the arm  110  is not coupled to the receiver assembly of the implement. In certain embodiments, the connector assembly  300  is configured to couple to the receiver assembly of the implement to from the first connection. In certain embodiments, the tilt actuator  112  may be controlled to extend or contract by the operator. The tilt actuator  112  tilts the connector assembly  300  in pitch  123  relative to the arm  110 . The work vehicle  100  includes multiple features to move the arm  110  and the connector assembly  300 , and the connector assembly  300  include multiple features that interface with the receiver assembly, as described herein. 
     In certain embodiments, the arm assembly  106  includes a support beam  136  coupled each arm  110 . The support beam  136  structurally supports the arms  110  to enable the work vehicle  100  to support a higher load and/or perform a greater amount of work, as compared to an arm assembly without a support beam. It is to be understood that any suitable number of support beams of any suitable shape may be coupled to each arm  110 , or the support beam  136  may be omitted. 
     In the illustrated embodiments, the connector assembly  300  includes two protrusions  310  disposed on a top portion  312  of the connector assembly  300 . In certain embodiments, the protrusions  310  (e.g., stationary protrusions) extend longitudinally in the direction  122  and vertically upward in the direction  124 . As shown, the connector assembly  300  includes two protrusions  310 , each of which is generally shaped as triangular prisms that extend longitudinally along the direction  122  and vertically along the direction  124 . It is to be understood that in other embodiments, the protrusions  310  may have a different shape, such as rectangular prisms, trapezoidal prisms, cylinders, posts, or other shapes suitable for coupling to an implement. Additionally, there may be a different quantity of protrusions such as one, two, three, four, five, six, or any quantity of protrusions suitable for facilitating the coupling process. Further, the protrusions  310  may be disposed on a different portion of the connector assembly, such as an outer portion  314  of the connector assembly, so long as the protrusion is suitable for coupling to an implement. 
     In certain embodiments, the connector assembly  300  includes locking features  316  for coupling the connector assembly  300  to the receiver assembly of the implement. In the current embodiment, the connector assembly  300  includes two locking features  316  that protrude from a bottom portion  318  of the connector assembly  300 . However, in other embodiments, there may be a different quantity of locking features, such as one, two, three, four, five, six, or any quantity of locking features suitable for coupling the connector assembly  300  to the implement. In some embodiments, the locking features  316  are moveable pins that move between positions when manipulated by locking actuators of the connector assembly. In certain embodiments, the locking actuators receive a working fluid (e.g., hydraulic fluid) from a valve assembly that is controlled by the operator, and the locking actuators move the locking features  316  into the target positon. 
     The locking actuators are configured to transition the locking features  316  between a first position and a second position. In the first position, an extension  320  of each locking feature  316  is fully retracted into a respective receptacle. In certain embodiments, the extensions  320  of the locking features  316  have a tapered edge. In certain embodiments, the extensions  320  may be conical such that a cross section of each extension  320  is arcuate. Alternatively, each extension  320  may taper more prominently along one side of the extensions  320  such that any cross section through the extension  320  has at least one flat side (e.g., semicircular). However, the extensions  320  may be any suitable shape (e.g., cylinders, rectangular prisms, triangular prisms, etc.) with any corresponding cross sections (e.g., circles, rectangles, triangles) for coupling the connector assembly  300  to the receiver assembly. In certain embodiments, the receptacles  322  are hollow cylinders that each have a bottom portion aligned in the same plane as a bottom portion  318  of the connector assembly  300 . Accordingly, in embodiments in which the locking features  316  are in the first position, the bottom portion  318  of the connector assembly  300  is approximately smooth or planar (i.e., has no protrusions, projections, bumps etc.). 
     As shown in  FIG. 1B , the locking features  316  are in the second position. In the second position, the extensions  320  are extended from the receptacles  322 . Accordingly, while the locking features  316  are in the second position, the extensions  320  protrude from both the receptacles  322  and the bottom portion  318  of the connector assembly  300 . 
       FIG. 1C  is a perspective view of the implement  200  of  FIG. 1A . As illustrated, the implement  200  is not coupled to the work vehicle. The implement  200  includes the working assembly  204 , which may be configured to perform work (e.g., plow, dig, plant, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, the working assembly  204  includes a mounting assembly  205  that couples a blade  207  of the implement to a frame  206  of the implement. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting assembly  205  of the implement  200  is rigidly coupled (e.g., welded, bolted, non-rotatably coupled, etc.) to a distal portion/end  209  (e.g. second end or second longitudinal end) of the frame  206  of the implement  200  and rotatably coupled to the working assembly  204  of the implement  200 . In the illustrated embodiment, the implement  200  also includes a connection system  208 . The connection system  208  includes the receiver assembly  400 , the frame  206  of the implement  200 , and a pivot assembly  210  of the implement  200 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the frame  206  is a C-frame and may be formed of a structurally strong material (e.g., steel) to support the weight of the working assembly  204  and transfer horizontal forces (e.g. loads) through the frame  206  of the implement  200 . In the illustrated embodiment, the frame  206  includes two arms  212  (e.g. extensions). In further embodiments, the frame of the implement may include more or fewer arms. The frame  206  additionally includes a mounting portion  220  at an end (e.g., first end or first longitudinal end) of the frame  206  opposite of the distal portion  209 . In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting portion  220  includes mounting features  222 . In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting features  222  are openings disposed through the mounting portion  220  of the frame. However, the mounting features  222  may be other suitable mounting and/or locking features in further embodiments, such as hooks or pins, among others. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1C , the pivot assembly  210  is disposed between the frame  206  and the receiver assembly  400  (e.g., between the distal portion  209  and the mounting portion  220  of the frame  206 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the pivot assembly  210  of the connection system  208  includes a pivot tube  230  disposed between the arms  212  of the frame  206 . The pivot tube  230  is rotatably connected to arms  212 . In the illustrated embodiment, the rotatable connection is provided by tube pins  232  of the pivot assembly  210 . The tube pins  232  are disposed through respective openings of the arms  212 , such that the pivot tube  230  is rotatably connected between the tube pins  232 . In certain embodiments, a bushing is disposed circumferentially around each tube pin  232  to provide the rotatable connection between the arms  212  and the pivot tube  230 . In this manner, the pivot tube  230  may provide a first point of rotation  234  between the receiver assembly  400  and the frame  206 . Further, in certain embodiments, a single tube pin may be disposed through both arms of the frame, instead of one tube pin  232  disposed through each arm  212 . 
     Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the pivot assembly  210  includes links  240  rigidly coupled (e.g., welded) to the pivot tube  230 . The links  240  are rotatably connected to the receiver assembly  400  of the implement  200  via link pins  242 . In this manner, the links  240  provide a second point of rotation  246  between the receiver assembly  400  and the frame  206  (e.g., between the receiver assembly  400  and the pivot tube  230 ). In the illustrated embodiment, there are two links  240  disposed on each lateral side of extensions  248  of the receiver assembly  400 . However, in other embodiment, there may be a different number of links and/or extensions. In addition, while the links  240  are pivotally coupled to the extensions  248  in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, at least one link may be coupled to another suitable structure of the receiver assembly. Alternatively, in certain embodiments, the links  240  may be omitted, and the receiver assembly  400  may be directly pivotally coupled to the frame  206  of the implement  200  at the first point of rotation  234 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the length of each extension  248  along the longitudinal direction  120  is particularly selected such that a top part  412  of the receiver assembly  400  and the first point of rotation  234  are substantially longitudinally aligned (e.g., substantially aligned along the longitudinal axis  120 ) while the receiver assembly  400  is in the receiving position (e.g., prior to initial contact with the connector assembly  300 ). In certain embodiments, “substantially longitudinally aligned” refers to an alignment in which the distance along the longitudinal direction  120  between the top part  412  of the receiver assembly  400  and the first point of rotation  234  is within a threshold distance. Additionally, the length of each extension  248  along the longitudinal direction  120  is particularly selected such that when the connector assembly initially engages the receiver assembly (e.g., when the top portion of the connector assembly first contacts the top part  412  of the receive assembly), the top portion of the connector assembly and the first point of rotation  234  are substantially longitudinally aligned (e.g., substantially aligned along the longitudinal axis  120 ). That is, the longitudinal distance between the top portion of the connector assembly and the first point of rotation  234  is within a threshold distance. For example, the threshold distance (e.g., distance between the top part of the receiver assembly and the first point of rotation, or the distance between the top portion of the connector assembly and the first point of rotation) may be 0.1 centimeters (cm), 0.5 cm, 1 cm, 5 cm, or 10 cm. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, while the receiver assembly  400  is in the receiving position (e.g., prior to initial contact with the connector assembly), the first point of rotation  234  and the receiver assembly  400  are positioned such that the first point of rotation  234  and the top part  412  of the receiver assembly  400  are substantially longitudinally aligned (e.g., substantially aligned along the longitudinal axis  120 ). Accordingly, the first point of rotation  234  is positioned proximate to the longitudinal center of gravity of the implement, such that when establishing the first connection with the connector assembly, the tendency of the implement  200  to rotate forwardly about the lateral axis  122  in pitch  123  (e.g., away from the operator) is substantially reduced (e.g., as compared to an implement having a first portion of rotation positioned closer to the mounting features). In certain embodiments, “substantially longitudinally” aligned refers to a difference in position along the longitudinal axis  120  of 0.1 cm to 10 cm, 0.5 cm to 10 cm, 1 cm to 10 cm, 2 cm to 8 cm, 3 cm to 5 cm, or 4 cm to 5 cm. Furthermore, in certain embodiment, “substantially longitudinally aligned” refers to a difference in position along the longitudinal axis  120  of less than 0.1 cm, 0.5 cm, 1 cm, 5 cm, or 10 cm. In addition, in certain embodiments, “substantially longitudinally aligned” refers to a maximum difference in position along the longitudinal axis  120  expressed as a percentage of the longitudinal extent of the frame  206 . For example, the maximum percentage of distance between the first point of rotation  234  and the top part  412  of the receiver assembly  400  along the longitudinal axis  120  relative to the longitudinal extent of the frame  206  of the implement  200  may be less than 1 percent, 2 percent, 3 percent, 4 percent, or 5 percent. 
     The receiver assembly  400  of the implement  200  is configured to couple to the connector assembly of the arm of the work vehicle to establish the first connection. The receiver assembly  400  includes two recesses  402  disposed on an inner portion  404  of the receiver assembly  400 . The receiver assembly  400  includes locking features  406  through a lower portion  408  of the receiver assembly  400 . In the illustrated embodiment, the locking features  406  are openings configured to receive the corresponding locking elements of the connector assembly of the work vehicle. In certain embodiments, there may be more or fewer recesses  402  to match the corresponding locking features (e.g., protrusions) of the connector assembly. Additionally, there may be more or fewer locking features  406  to match the corresponding locking features on the connector assembly. An embodiment of the recesses  402  and the locking features  406  used to couple the receiver assembly  400  to the connector assembly is described with reference to  FIG. 3  below. 
       FIG. 2A  is a side view of the connector assembly  300  of  FIG. 1B  adjacent to the implement  200  of  FIG. 1A , in which the implement  200  is in a starting position  250 . In certain embodiments, the starting position corresponds to a position in which the connector assembly  300  is tilted to a target starting angle (e.g., within a threshold angle of the target starting angle). The connector assembly  300  is located a target distance from the receiver assembly of the implement (e.g., within a threshold range of the receiver assembly  400  of the implement  200 ). In the starting position  250 , the tilt actuator  112  may be at least partially extended. As such, the connector assembly  300  is tilted from a longitudinal axis  150  of the arm  110  at a connector angle  152  (e.g., corresponding to the target starting angle). The target starting angle of the connector assembly  300  relative to the longitudinal axis  150  may be about 30 degrees, about 45 degrees, about 75 degrees, or any other suitable angle relative to the axis  150 . For example, the target starting angle may be between 100 degrees and 10 degrees, between 75 degrees and 30 degrees, or any other suitable range of angles relative to the axis  150 . Additionally, in certain embodiments, the target starting angle and the connector angle  152  may instead be determined relative to the direction/axis  124  or the direction/axis  120 . 
     In certain embodiments, the connector angle  152  is established by the operator. For example, the operator may control the tilt actuator  112  to move to a target connector angle. The operator of the work vehicle  100  visually identifies the connector angle  152  and use the operator controls to adjust the connector angle  152  to the target starting angle or within the threshold range of the target starting angle. 
     As described above, the starting position  250  may be achieved when the connector assembly  300  is within the threshold distance of the receiver assembly  400 . In certain embodiments, the operator may move the work vehicle  100 , the arm  110  of the work vehicle, the connector assembly  300 , or a combination thereof, until the connector assembly  300  is in the starting position  250  (e.g. within the threshold distance of the starting distance, within the threshold angle of the starting angle, or a combination thereof) before initiating the coupling process. The threshold distance may be about 0 cm, 1 cm, 2 cm, 5 cm, 20 cm, 100 cm, or any other suitable distance for starting the coupling process. In certain embodiments, the threshold distance may be between 0 and 100 cm, between 5 cm and 50 cm, between 10 cm and 20 cm, or any other suitable range for starting the coupling process. 
       FIG. 2B  is a side view of an embodiment of the connector assembly  300  of  FIG. 1B  partially coupled to the implement  200  of  FIG. 1 , in which the receiver assembly  400  is in the receiving position. As shown, the connector assembly  300  is rotated to a second connector angle  154  relative to the longitudinal axis  150  of the arm  110 . In certain embodiments, the rotation is achieved by contraction of the tilt actuator  112 . In certain embodiments, the operator may coordinate movement of the drive system, the tilt actuator  112 , the lift actuator  114 , or a combination thereof, until the connector assembly  300  is aligned with the receiver assembly  400 . For example, the connector assembly  300  may be tilted to the second connector angle  154  as the drive system moves the work vehicle forward, such that the connector assembly  300  rotates backward in pitch  123  and aligns with the receiver assembly  400 . In certain embodiments, the connector assembly  300  may align with the receiver assembly  400  by tilting the connector assembly  300  to the second connector angle  154  as the lift actuator lifts the connector assembly  300 , such that the protrusions  310  engage the recesses  402  of the receiver assembly  400 . Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the connector assembly  300  may be aligned with the receiver assembly  400  by tilting the tilt actuator  112 , lifting the arms  110 , moving the work vehicle  100  forward, or a combination thereof. 
     In certain embodiments, the operator controls the movements of the actuators and the drive system from the starting position  250 . For example, after the operator identifies the starting position  250 , the operator may control the tilt actuator  112  to move to a target tilt actuator position, control the lift actuator to move the mounting portion to a target mounting portion vertical position, control the drive system to move the work vehicle forward a target distance, or a combination thereof. After these movements, the connector assembly  300  may be coupled to the receiver assembly  400 , as shown. 
     Additionally, when the connector assembly  300  is aligned with the receiver assembly  400 , the locking elements of the connector assembly  300  are aligned with the locking features of the receiver assembly  400 . The operator may then control the actuators to move the extensions to the extended position such that the locking elements protrude into the corresponding locking features of the implement  200 . Upon completion of the movement of the work vehicle  100 , detection that the connector assembly  300  is aligned with the receiver assembly  400 , engagement of the locking elements with the locking features of the implement, the parking brake may engage to block unintentional and/or undesired subsequent movement of the work vehicle. 
     In certain embodiments, while the receiver assembly  400  is in the illustrated receiving position, the first point of rotation  234  and the top part  412  of the receiver assembly  400  are positioned such that the longitudinal distance (e.g., distance or offset  131  along the longitudinal axis  120  between the first point of rotation  234  and the top part  412  of the receiver assembly  400 ) is within a threshold distance. To illustrate the offset  131 , a point of rotation line  133  is shown extending along the vertical axis  124  through the first point of rotation  234 . For example, the threshold distance may be 1 percent, 2 percent, 3 percent, 4 percent, or 5 percent of the longitudinal extent  245  of the frame  206 . Additionally, while the connector assembly  300  initially engages the receiver assembly  400  and the receiver assembly  400  is in the illustrated receiving position, the first point of rotation  234  and the top portion  312  of the connector assembly  300  are positioned such that the longitudinal distance (e.g., distance or offset  131  along the longitudinal axis  120  between the first point of rotation  234  and the top portion  312  of the connector assembly  300 ) is within a threshold distance. 
       FIG. 2C  is a side view of the connector assembly  300  of  FIG. 1B  coupled to the implement  200  of  FIG. 1A , in which the implement is in the operating position  202 . As shown, the connector assembly  300  remains aligned and locked with the receiver assembly  400 . Additionally, the operator may control a valve assembly to lock the tilt actuator  112 , and then control the valve assembly to contract the lift actuator  114 . The controls may be provided sequentially or simultaneously. In this manner, the arm  110  lifts to apply a lifting force  160  in the vertical direction  124 . In certain embodiments, the implement  200  is heavier at the working assembly  204  than at the mounting portion  220 . Accordingly, a third point of rotation  262  of the implement  200  is located near the working assembly  204  of the implement  200  (e.g. at a contact point between the working assembly  204  and a ground beneath the working assembly  204 ). As such, when the lifting force  160  is applied to the implement  200  via the first connection  304 , the mounting portion  220  of the implement  200  rotates upwardly to align with the corresponding locking features of the work vehicle. 
     In certain embodiments, the operator controls the application of the lifting force  160 . For example, the operator controls the lift actuator  114  to achieve a target arm upward movement distance that moves the mounting portion  220  to the target mounting portion vertical position. The operator may control the lift actuator to move the mounting portion  220  until the separation distance between the openings of the mounting portion  220  and the openings of the corresponding mounting features  144  is less than a threshold separation distance. 
     In certain embodiments, when the openings of the mounting portion are aligned with the openings of the corresponding locking features  144 , the operator then controls the actuators to move the locking elements into the corresponding locking features  144 . In this manner, the implement  200  is coupled to the work vehicle  100  to form the first connection  304  and the second connection  130 . The tilt actuator  112  may be locked in position to block further tilting of the receiver assembly  400  during operation and/or the operator may disengage the parking brake. 
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the implement  200  of  FIG. 1A  coupled to the work vehicle  100  of  FIG. 1A . As illustrated, the connector assembly  300  of the arm  110  is coupled to the receiver assembly  400  of the implement  200  to establish the first connection  304 . The cross-section of the cross-sectional view extends in a plane along the directions  120  and  124  to show components of the connector assembly  300  and the implement  200  in detail. As shown, the protrusions  310  of the connector assembly  300  are disposed within (e.g., engage with) the recesses  402  of the receiver assembly  400 . Additionally, the locking features  316  are extended to the second position to interface with (e.g., engage with) the corresponding locking features of the receiver assembly  400 . 
     As described in further detail below, in certain embodiments, the connector assembly  300  may be coupled to the receiver assembly  400  by first engaging the protrusions  310  with the recesses  402  of the receiver assembly  400 . To do so, the connector assembly  300  may approach the receiver assembly  400  while in a tilted position in which the protrusions  310  are tilted forward in pitch  123  such that the protrusions  310  are angled away from the work vehicle  100  (achieved via the tilt actuator  112 ). The protrusions  310  may then interface with the recesses  110  of the receiver assembly  400 , and then the tilt actuator  112  tilts the connector assembly  300  to a vertical orientation. Then, the locking features  316  are driven into engagement (e.g. to the second position) to interface with the corresponding locking features  406  of the implement to physically couple the connector assembly  300  and the receiver assembly  400  to one another to establish the first connection  304 . 
     The locking features  316  couple the connector assembly  300  to the receiver assembly  400  to establish the first connection  304 . In the present embodiments, the locking features  316  are extended to the second position and the extensions  320  are in contact with the corresponding locking features  406  of the receiver assembly  400 . As shown, a first locking actuator  330  is disposed inside the connector assembly  300 . The first locking actuator  330  is in fluid communication with a valve assembly that provides hydraulic fluid to the actuator to extend and retract the extensions  320 . In certain embodiments, the corresponding locking features  406  are openings configured to receive the locking features  316  of the connector assembly  300 . Accordingly, when the locking features  316  are in the second position, the extensions  320  extend into the corresponding locking features  406  to couple the connector assembly  300  to the receiver assembly  400  of the implement  200 . 
     The points of rotation  234 ,  246  enable the receiver assembly  400  to pivot in pitch  123  with respect to the pivot tube and with respect to the frame  206  of the implement  200 . The points of rotation  234 ,  246  provide more flexibility to the implement  200 , which may facilitate performing the coupling process. The implement  200  distributes a substantial portion of the horizontal forces (e.g., forces extending substantially in a plane formed by the directions  120  and  122 , the horizontal component of a force vector, etc.) directly to the frame of the work vehicle  100 , as compared to the arms  110 . The pivot assembly  210  and the associated points of rotation  234 ,  246  enable all or a substantial portion of the horizontal forces to be distributed to the frame  102  of the work vehicle  100 . For example, if a force with both vertical and horizontal components is applied to the implement  200 , a substantial portion of the horizontal component of the force is applied to the frame  102  and a substantial portion of the vertical component is applied to the arms  110 . In this manner, the implement  200  may resist larger forces and/or perform more work than implements not connected to the frame  102 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the first point of rotation  234  and the connector assembly  300  are positioned such that the first point of rotation  234  and the top portion  312  of the connector assembly  300  are substantially longitudinally aligned (e.g., substantially aligned along the longitudinal axis  120 ). That is, the first point of rotation  234  and the top portion  312  of the connector assembly  300  are positioned such that the distance along the longitudinal direction  120  between the first point of rotation  234  and top portion  312  of the connector assembly  300  is within a threshold distance. Additionally, the first point of rotation  234  and the top part  412  of the receiver assembly  400  are substantially longitudinally aligned (e.g., substantially aligned along the longitudinal axis  120 ). That is, the first point of rotation  234  and the top part  412  of the receiver assembly  400  are positioned such that the distance along the longitudinal direction  120  between the first point of rotation  234  and the top part  412  of the receiver assembly  400  is within a threshold distance. For example, the threshold distance (e.g., distance between the top part of the receiver assembly and the first point of rotation, or the distance between the top portion of the connector assembly and the first point of rotation) may be 0.1 cm, 0.5 cm, 1 cm, 5 cm, or 10 cm. 
     In certain embodiments, “substantially longitudinally aligned” refers to a difference in position along the longitudinal axis  120  of 0.1 cm to 10 cm, 0.5 cm to 10 cm, 1 cm to 10 cm, 2 cm to 8 cm, 3 cm to 5 cm, or 4 cm to 5 cm. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, “substantially longitudinally aligned” refers to a difference in position along the longitudinal axis  120  of less than 0.1 cm, 0.5 cm, 1 cm, 5 cm, or 10 cm. In addition, in certain embodiments, “substantially longitudinally aligned” refers to a maximum difference in position along the longitudinal axis  120  expressed as a percentage of the longitudinal extent of the frame  206 . For example, the maximum percentage of distance between the first point of rotation  234  and the top portion  312  of the connector assembly  300  along the longitudinal axis  120  relative to the longitudinal extent of the frame  206  of the implement  200  may be less than 1 percent, 2 percent, 3 percent, 4 percent, or 5 percent. 
     While only certain features have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. 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.