Docking station with improved latching mechanism

摘要

According to one embodiment, a docking station for a portable device is provided with an improved latching mechanism for securing the portable device within the docking station. In general, the latching mechanism may comprise a pivotable lever and a larch assembly that operate together as a cam-follower mechanism. The pivotable lever may have a curved lower surface and contoured upper surface, and may be generally configured to rotate about a rotational axis when a back surface of the portable device contacts and pushes against the curved lower surface of the pivotable lever. The latch assembly may be generally configured to translate a rotational motion of the pivotable lever into a linear motion, which causes a hidden latch portion of the latch assembly to extend out of the docking station for securing the portable device within the docking station.

主权项

1. A docking station for a portable device, the docking station comprising a latching mechanism for securing the portable device within the docking station, the latching mechanism comprising:
a cam actuator having a curved lower surface and contoured upper surface, wherein the cam actuator is configured to rotate about a rotational axis when a back surface of the portable device contacts and pushes against the curved lower surface of the cam actuator; and a latch assembly configured to translate a rotational motion of the cam actuator into a linear motion of the latch assembly, which causes a hidden latch portion of the latch assembly to extend linearly out of the docking station for securing the portable device within the docking station.