Portable computer docking station with protected connector

摘要

The docking station includes one or more ramps which receive the computer during docking. The ramps are elevated so as to shield a docking connector of the docking station during reception of the computer. With the computer positioned on the ramps, the ramps are lowered to bring the computer into engagement with the station's docking connector. The computer is secured in the docked position by any of a coupling force between docking connectors, a latching action applied to the ramps, or a latching action applied to the computer.