The present invention relates generally to computer apparatus and. in a preferred embodiment thereof, more particularly relates to a motorized docking structure used to releasably receive a notebook computer and operably connect it to desktop computer peripheral equipment such as a monitor, keyboard and mouse. Background Art

Portable, battery-powered notebook computers have become increasingly popular over the last several years due to their light weight and small size that permit them to be easily hand-carried in an ordinary briefcase and used by busmess travelers in cramped spaces, such as on airiine seat back trays, lacking electrical plug-in facilities. The modern notebook computer typically has incorporated therein both hard and floppy disc drives, a monitor screen built into its lid portion, and a keyboard built into its main body portion. It is thus a fully self-contained computer able to be conveniently used, for at least short periods of time, in situations and locations in which the use of a much larger desktop computer is simply not feasible.

As is well known, however, even state-of-the-art notebook computers have certain limitations and disadvantages, arising from their otherwise desirable diminutive sizes, compared to their much larger desktop computer counterparts. For example, the compact keyboard of a notebook computer is often considerably less comfortable to use for extended periods of time compared to the more spacious separate keyboards normally provided with desktop computers.

Additionally, to reduce the space requirements for the typical notebook computer keyboard, many of its keys, that would have but a single function on a desktop computer keyboard, are provided with multiple functions which can be confusing to a user switching back and forth between desktop and notebook computers. Moreover, compared to its desktop computer counterpart, the notebook computer monitor typically does not provide its viewer with as sharp a display image. After an extended computing session, this reduction in display clarity can cause the computer user to experience at least some degree of eye strain. Another disadvantage of portable computers is that. due to their small size, they typically do not provide access for expansion cards such as, for example, network, sound, graphics accelerator and multi-media cards which desktop computer units are conventionally configured to receive.

Because of these shortcomings inherent in notebook computers, it is a common practice for their owners to also purchase a desktop computer system for home or office use. A typical scenario for these two-computer owners, after returning home after using their notebook computer on a business trip, is to transfer their files, data, spreadsheets and the like from their notebook computer to their desktop computer and continue working on the initiated project or projects using the larger and more comfortable desktop peripheral equipment such as the external monitor, keyboard and mouse.

The task of effecting this data transfer from a notebook computer to the desktop computer (and vice versa in preparation for a subsequent road trip) is not a particularly convenient one for the computer user. It is typically accomplished by the often time consuming method of (1) inserting a floppy disc into the notebook computer, (2) copying a portion of the data from the notebook computer hard drive onto the inserted floppy disc, (3) removing the floppy disc from the notebook computer, (4) inserting the removed floppy disc into the desktop computer, (5) copying the data from the floppy disc onto the hard drive of the desktop computer, and then (6) repeating steps (1 )

throug (5), as necessary, unt a o t e es re ata s trans erred from the notebook com πer to the desktOD computer.

Alternatively, various software is available for use in a notebook computer to download data therefrom xo a desktop computer through a cable interconnected between the serial ports on the notebook and desktop computers. This procedure, while somewhat more convenient than laboriously shuffling floppy discs back and forth between the two computers, has other disadvantages. For example, it requires the additional purchase and installation of the transfer software which occupies space in the notebook hard drive - space which is often at a premium in the relatively small hard drives typically provided in notebook computers.

Moreover, each time data is to be transferred from the notebook computer to the desktop computer, a cable must be interconnected between the two computers and subsequently disconnected. This can be a rather awkward task since the serial port on a desktop computer is typically located on its back side in the midst of a jumble of other cables.

In addition to the inconvenience of these conventional methods of transferring data back and forth between notebook and desktop computers there is, of course, the considerable expense entailed in purchasing two complete computer systems to provide both the compactness and portability of a notebook computer and the greater capacity and use comfort of a desktop computer. Some of this expense may be avoided by purchasing (in addition to the notebook computer) only desktop computer peripheral equipment - such as a monitor, keyboard, mouse and external hard drive - for home or office use.

When the user works at his home or office station he connects the notebook computer to the desktop computer peripheral equipment, using the necessary interconnect cables, to fashion a hybrid computer system utilizing the notebook computer CPU in conjunction with the desktop computer peripheral devices. While this alternative approach is less expensive than purchasing two complete computer systems, it is highly inconvenient due to the number of cables that must be connected between the notebook computer and the desktop peripherals, to "construct" the hybrid system, and later be disconnected to free the notebook computer for travel use. Additionally. the jumble of interconnect cables sprawling across the desk or table area creates a decidedly disorderly and unattractive work station.

In response to these problems and inconveniences, interconnect structures commonly referred to as "docking stations" have been previously proposed. A docking station is basically a housing structure, considerably larger than a notebook computer and designed to be left in place on a home or office desktop, to which the notebook computer may be removably connected by releasably interengaging mating plug and socket portions fixedly secured to the notebook computer and the associated docking station.

The docking station is typically connected to external desktop peripheral devices, such as a monitor, keyboard and mouse, that remain in place on the desktop work station. Disposed within the docking station housing are various components that serve to operatively connect the notebook computer to these desktop peripheral devices when the notebook computer is plugged into the docking station. However, the docking station is not provided with a central processing unit. Instead, when the notebook computer is "docked" in this manner, its central processing unit is utilized in the resulting desktop computer work station and the desktop keyboard, monitor and mouse are used in any subsequent desktop computing tasks. After these tasks are completed, the notebook computer can simply be unplugged from the docking station and carried away for use of the removed notebook computer in its usual self-contained mode.

Compared to the previous necessity of purchasing a complete desktop computer system in addition to a noteoook computer, the use of this docking station concept provides several distinct advantages. For example, since the docking station is not furnished with its own central processing unit (using, in place thereof, the notebook computer CPU) the overall cost of providing both portable and home or office-based computer work stations is substantially reduced.

Additionally, the previous inconvenience of transferring data from the notebook computer to the desktop system is essentially eliminated since the requisite notebook/desktop computer interface for this data transfer is achieved simply by plugging the notebook computer into the docking station (which may have an internal hard drive or be connected to an external hard drive ) without the need for switching floppy discs back and forth or using an external interconnection cable. Moreover, from a connection convenience standpoint, the use of the plug-in docking station is clearly preferable to laboriously connecting the notebook computer directly to desktop peripheral devices using several separate interconnect cables.

Despite their cost reduction and convenience advantages, previously proposed docking stations have tended to have certain problems associated therewith relating to their physical connection to the associated notebook computer. For example, since the relatively small plug-in interface between the docking station and the notebook computer must effect a multitude of electrical connections between the internal operating components in the notebook computer and the docking station housing, mating high density pin connector structures (one on the notebook computer and one on the docking station) are typically used to provide the plug-in computer/docking station mechanical interconnection. A typical method of creating this interconnection is to place the notebook computer on the docking station, with the mating pin connectors in a facing, spaced apart relationship with one another, and then manually pushing the notebook computer toward the docking station connector pin structure to create the plug-in connection. The need to precisely align the facing connectors, coupled with the high mating force requirement associated with these high density pin connectors, typically requires that this manual connection task be carefully and precisely performed to avoid potential damage to the connector pin structures. The same care must be exercised, and a considerable amount of manual force exerted, in disconnecting the notebook computer from the docking station to avoid connector pin damage.

Manual latching mechanisms have been proposed to exert a mechanically advantaged connection force on the notebook computer and to hold the docked computer in place on the expansion chassis. These latching systems are typically operated by placing the notebook computer on the docking station in a spaced relationship with the docking station connector structure and then pivoting a latch structure against the computer to drive its connector pin structure into mating engagement with the docking station connector pin structure. While this reduces the manual mating force that needs to be exerted, connector pin structure alignment problems can still arise if care is not exercised. Additionally, a high manual force is still required to subsequently unplug the notebook computer from the docking station.

Another problem typically associated with conventional manually operable docking station systems is that is possible to dock the portable computer while the computer is on and the docking station is off, or vice versa. This creates, in either situation, a voltage mismatch between the mating computer and docking station electrical connector structures that can damage the input buffers in the computer or docking station as the case may be.

can e seen o e o prov e a porta e computer/exϋans on c ass s docking system having improved computer docking and undocking apparatus and methods. It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide such a system. Disclosure of Invention In carrying out principles of the present invention, in accordance with a preferred embodiment thereof, a motorized portable computer/docking station system is provided which includes a portable computer, preferably a notebook computer, having first operating components therein, and a first electrical connector structure disposed on a rear side of thereof and connected to the first operating components. The system also includes a docking station having a housing portion in which second operating components are disposed, these second operating components being operatively connectable to external desktop computer peripheral devices such as a monitor, keyboard and mouse.

The portable computer is manually insertable rearwardly into an internal receiving structure within the docking station housing, the receiving structure having a second electrical connector structure supported in a rear portion thereof and operatively engageable with the first electrical connector structure to operatively link the first operating components in the portable computer to the second operating components within the docking station housing, thereby operatively linking the portable computer to the desktop computer peripheral devices to which the docking station is connected.

A travel member is carried within the internal receiving structure for forward and rearward movement therein relative to the docking station housing between ( 1 ) a receiving position in which the travel member is spaced forwardly apart from the second electrical connector structure, (2) a docking position rearwardly shifted relative to the receiving position, and (3) an ejection position forwardly shifted relative to the receiving position. Motor means are provided for driving the travel member between its receiving, docking and ejection positions, with the operation of the motor means being regulated by an electromechanical control system.

In response to manual rearward insertion of the portable computer into the internal receiving structure with the travel member in its receiving position, latch means carried on the travel member for movement therewith function to lock the computer to the travel member, and the control system energizes the motor means to drive the travel member from its receiving position to its docking position. This, in turn, docks the computer by forcibly interengaging the first and second electrical connector structures to thereby connect the first operating components to the second operating components and thus to the desktop computer peripheral devices to which the docking station is connected. During rearward driven movement of the computer toward the second electrical connector, cooperating alignment means on the computer and the internal receiving structure function to maintain a precisely aligned relationship between the first and second electrical connector structures.

When it is desired to remove the inserted portable computer from the docking station, the motor means are operated to forwardly drive the travel member from its docking position to its ejection position. During this forward movement of the travel member, cooperating means on the internal receiving structure and the latch means function to unlock the computer from the travel member to permit a rear portion of the travel member to drive the computer to the travel member ejection position to facilitate removal of the computer from the internal receiving structure. The motor means are then automatically operated to return the travel member to its receiving position, thereby readying it for another driven docking and undocking cycle.

n a Dreterreα em o iment o e oc ing station, tne trave mem er is provide wit a pre- oc in-: calibration cvcie Prior to start-up or the docking station, the travel member tor one reason or another, mav oe positioned slightly torwardiv or rearwardlv of its receiving position Accordingly, when the dockmg station is initially energized prior to the manual insertion therein of the portable computer, the control svstem operates the motor means preferably an electric stepper motor) to forwardly drive the travel member to a calibration position, such calibration position representative ly corresponding to the ejection position ot the travel member When the attainment ot the travel member calibration is sensed by the control svstem the motor means are operated to rearwardly drive the travel member precisely back to its receiving position to ready the docking station for operative receipt of the portable computer To permit the motor means to be manually rotated to eject the computer in the event that the motorized drive svstem becomes jammed or otherwise inoperative, the motor means drive shaft is provided with a slotted end portion accessible with a screwdriver through aligned access openmgs m the docking station housing and an mtenor chassis wall portion of the docking station

Additionally, the docking station housmg is preferably provided with a removable top cover portion through which one ot the aligned access openings extends To selectively prevent removal of this top cover portion a chassis locking system is provided and includes a locking opening formed in the chassis wall Dortion. and a locking member disposed inwardly of the locking opening and secured to the removable housing cover portion The locking member is key-rotatable between a first position in which outward removal of the locking member through the locking opening is precluded and the locking member blocks tool insertion inwardly through the aligned access openmgs, and a second position in which the locking member permits such tool insertion and may be moved outwardly through the locking opening to permit removal of the top housmg cover portion

The electromechanical control system regulates the operation of the motor means, and provides other control functions, usmg various detect switches including a cover detect switch; notebook power-on and notebook detect switches; a PCMCIA door detect switch, an I/O door detect switch, a zero position detect switch, a latch means detect switch, and a loopback detect switch

The cover detect switch functions to prevent operation of the motor means in the event that the aforementioned top housmg cover portion of the dockmg station is removed This switch is positioned within the dockmg station housing to be contacted by a portion of the housing cover portion when it is installed When the switch is so contacted, it permits operation of the motor means Conversely, when such contact is terminated b\ removal of the housmg cover portion, the cover detect switch precludes operation of the motor means

The notebook detect switch is positioned to be contacted by the notebook computer upon its insertion into the dockmg station mtemal receivmg structure, and the notebook power-on detect switch photoelectπcally senses the energization or non-energization of a "power on" indicating light on the computer during dockmg of the computer These two switches cooperate to prevent operation of the motor means to rearwardly drive the travel plate if the notebook computer is not inserted mto the dockmg station or, if so inserted, is turned on

In a preferred embodiment thereof, the notebook computer has a pair of PCMCIA card slots in a side portion thereof With the computer docked within the docking station, these slots are inwardly aligned with a card insertion openmg m the docking station housmg Associated with this housing opening is a sliding door plate that may be moved between a closed position m which it covers the housmg card insertion openmg. and an open position in which it uncovers such openmg

According y w en e comDuter is oc e an t e door plate is opened PCMCIA cards may be operativelv •nserteα into the docked computer through the aligned housmg card insertion opening and the computer card slots The PCMCIA door detect sw itch functions to detect the opening ot the door plate and prevent the travel member from be g driven trom its dockmg position to its ejection position This serves to prevent damage to PCMCIA cards that are inserted into the docked computer and project outwardly through the housmg card insertion openmg

The portable computer is preferably provided on its rear side with an I/O port structure recessed in an opening provided with a sliding I/O door plate movable between an open position in which it covers the I/O port openmg. and a closed position in which it covers such openmg When the computer is manuallv inserted into the internal receiving structure with its I/O door properly opened, and the travel member is rearwardly driven toward its dockmg position, a deflectable plate member secured to a rear wall portion of the internal receiving structure enters the I/O port openmg and contacts and electrostatically discharges the I/O port structure prior to the operative dockmg of the computer

However, if the I/O door is closed, the deflectable plate member contacts the closed door and is driven mto engagement with the I/O door detect switch without electrostatically discharging the I/O port structure When so engaged, the I/O door detect switch functions to terminate further rearward movement of the travel plate, prior to docking ot the computer, in a manner preventing contact between the aforementioned first and second electrical connector structures

The zero position detect switch is carried on a bottom wall portion of the internal receiving structure and is positioned to be contacted by a portion of the latch means when the travel member is moved to its calibration position In response to such contact, the zero detect switch causes the motor means to drive the travel member rearwardly back to its receiving position

The latch means detect switch is carried on the travel member and operates to sense the movement of the latch means from an unlockmg position thereof to a lockmg position thereof, created by manual insertion of the portable computer to the internal receiving structure with the travel member in its receiving position, and responsively cause the motor means to rearwardly drive the travel member from its receivmg position toward its dockmg position The latch means detect switch also cooperates with the notebook detect switch to prevent the rearward driving of the travel member toward its dockmg position absent a prior manual insertion of the portable computer into the internal receivmg structure The loopback detect switch functions to determine whether the first electrical connector structure of the portable computer, as a result of the computer being dnven with the travel member to the docKing position thereof, has been operatively engaged with the second electrical connector structure

In addition to the detect switches described above, the electromechanical control system further includes processor means which control the operation of the motor means for selective rearward or forward driving of the travel member based upon conditions withm the dockmg station Conditions which may affect the processor means control of the motor means and which are detected by the aforementioned switches mclude the removal or improper installation of the top housing cover portion of the docking station, detection of the portable computer withm the internal receiving structure of the dockmg station, the position of the latch means used for lockmg the computer to the travel means, the position of the travel means withm the internal structure of the dockmg station, premature energization of the portable computer, the positionmg of the I/O door of the portable computer, the positioning of

, n opera ive engagement o e ectr ca connector structures of the portable computer and the docking structure.

Certain ones of these conditions and the sequence in which these conditions are detected may affect the processor means control of the motor means during reset, docking and/or ejection procedures. Detection of the removal of the top housing cover portion affects the reset, dockmg and ejection procedures. The position of the latch means and travel member within the internal receiving structure affects both the ejection and reset procedures. Detection of the portable computer, the position of its I/O door and its energization state affect only the docking procedure. Position of the PCMCIA door affects only the ejection procedure.

The processor means further includes means for controlling the power modes of both the portable computer and the docking station to maintain proper system operation. If energized, the portable computer cannot be docked when energized and components of the docking station not utilized during the docking procedure are not energized until after docking is complete. Likewise, the processor means will de-energize the portable computer if the ejection procedure is initated while the portable computer is energized. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a somewhat simplified front and right side partially exploded perspective view of a specially designed notebook computer, and an associated expansion chassis docking station, embodying principles of the present invention:

FIG. 2 is an enlarged scale fronUeft and top side perspective view of the notebook computer:

FIG. 3 is an enlarged scale rear, left and top side perspective view of the notebook computer: FIG. 4 is an enlarged scale rear, left and bottom side perspective view of the notebook computer:

FIG. 5 is a rear and left side perspective view of the docking station:

FIG. 6 is an enlarged scale, partially phantomed front and right side perspective view of the docking station with a top portion of its housing removed;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged scale front and left side perspective view of the docking station with a top portion of its housing removed:

FIG. 8 is an enlarged scale rear and left side perspective view of the docking station with a top portion of its housing removed:

FIG. 9 is an enlarged scale front and right side perspective view of a docking tray subassembly portion of the docking station, with a motorized travel plate portion of the subassembly in its intermediate or "wait" position: FIG. 10 is an enlarged scale bottom side perspective view of the docking tray subassembly, with the travel plate in its wait position, and illustrates a latch mechanism carried on the underside of the docking tray subassembly;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged scale front and right side perspective view of the docking tray subassembly with the travel plate in its rearwardly shifted docking position; FIG. 12 is an enlarged scale bottom side perspective view of the docking tray subassembly with the travel plate in its docking position:

FIG. 13 is an enlarged scale rear and left side perspective view of the docking tray subassembly with the travel plate in its docking position;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged scale front and right side perspective view of the docking tray subassembly with the travel plate in its forwardly shifted ejection position;

FI . 1 s an en arged sca e ottom s e perspective v ew o t e oc ng tray subassembly with the travel plate in its election position:

FIG. 16 is an enlarged scale top plan view of the docking tray subassembly with the travel plate in its ejection position: FIG. 17 is an enlarged scale bottom plan view of the docking tray subassembly with the travel plate in its ejection position:

FIG. 18A is an enlarged scale bottom side perspective view of a portion of the docking tray subassembly illustrating the relative positions of the travel plate latch mechanism components when the travel plate is in its wait position: FIG. 18B is an enlarged scale bottom side perspective view of a portion of the docking tray subassembly illustrating the relative positions of the travel plate latch mechanism components when the travel plate is in its docking position:

FIGS. 19A and 19B are enlarged scale bottom plan views of a portion of the travel plate respectively illustrating the components of its latch mechanism in their FIG. 18A and 18B positions; FIGS. 20A-20D are highly schematic cross-sectional views through the docking tray subassembly and sequentially illustrate the motor-driven movement of the travel plate and notebook computer therein:

FIG. 21 is an enlarged scale partially phantomed perspective view of a left rear corner portion of the docking station and illustrates a cover detector switch used to disable travel plate movement while the docking station top housing portion is removed: FIG. 22 is an enlarged scale elevational view of the circled rear side docking station area "A" in FIG. 5 and illustrates, in phantom, a chassis locking mechanism incorporated in the docking station:

FIG. 23 is a schematic cross-sectional view, taken along line 23-23 of FIG. 22, through a rear side portion of the docking station and further illustrating the chassis locking mechanism;

FIG. 24 is a simplified block diagram of a system planar board, installed in the docking station illustrated in FIGS. 1. 5-19B and 21-23. for operatively engaging the notebook computer illustrated in FIGS. 2-4 therewith;

FIG. 25 is a schematic illustration of the electromechanical control system for regulating the operation of the motorized travel plate portion of the docking tray subassembly illustrated in FIGS. 9-19B;

FIG. 26 is a flow chart illustrating a procedure for docking the notebook computer illustrated in FIGS. 2-4 into operative engagement with the docking station illustrated in FIGS. 1, 5-19B and 21-23; FIG. 27 is a flow chart illustrating a procedure for ejecting the notebook computer illustrated in FIGS. 2-4 when operatively engaged to the docking station illustrated in FIGS. 1, 5-19B and 21-23; and

FIG. 28 is a flow chart illustrating a procedure for resetting the travel plate portion of the docking tray subassembly illustrated in FIGS. 9-19B. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention Structure of the Docking Station and Portable Computer

Referring initially to FIGS. 1-5. the present invention provides a specially designed portable computer/expansion chassis docking system 10 including a notebook computer 12 and a docking station structure or expansion chassis 14, hereinafter referred to simply as the "docking station." Notebook computer 12 is of a relatively thin rectangular configuration and has a body portion with left and right sides 16 and 18. front and rear sides 20 and 22. and a bottom side 24.

Pivotallv secured to the top side ot the computer body portion is a rectangular lid 26 which, as indicated in onantom in FIG 1. mav oe pivoted uowarolv in tne usual manner to expose a Kevboard (not shown > on the ton siαe ot the computer boov. and a displav screen (also not shown) on the underside of the lid 26 For purposes later described a pair of generally rectangularly configured guide rails 28 longitudinally extend along the left and right side walls 16 and 18 and laterally project outwardly therefrom Additionally, a pair of downwardly pivotable support legs 29 are secured to the bottom side 24 of the computer 12 adjacent its rear edge

In a conventional manner, the notebook computer 12 has a variety of internally mounted operating components (not illustrated) including a hard drive, a floppy drive having a disc insertion slot 30 on the front side 20 of the computer body, and a motherboard At the back edge ot the lid 26 are a series of LED indicating lights 32 (see FIG 1 ) including a ' power on indicating light 32a

As shown m FIGS 2 and 4. a pair of slots 34 are formed through the left side 16 of the computer bod\ PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) cards may be inserted through the slots 34 and removably connected to corresponding operating circuitry withm the computer body

Referring now to FIGS 3 and 4, a rectangular openmg 36 is centrally formed m the back side 22 of the i *-; computer body A rectangular door plate 38 is slidably affixed to the back computer body side 22 and may be horizontally moved between its illustrated open position in which it uncovers the opening 36. and a closed position (achieved by sliding the door plate 38 to the right as viewed in FIGS 3 and 4) m which it covers the openmg When the door plate 38 is opened, the opening exposes a recessed I/O port structure 40 having a metal plate portion 42 inwardly adjacent the opening 36 20 Recessed into the rear computer body side 22, witn the opening 36 and below the I/O port structure 40, is a high density male electrical pin type connector section 44 For purposes later descnbed. an mdentation 46 (FIG 4) is formed the bottom side 24 of the computer adjacent its left rear corner

Turning now to FIGS 1, 5 and 6, the dockmg station 14 is considerably larger than the notebook computer 12. has a rectangular configuration, and is adapted to rest on the table or desk portion of a home or office computer 25 work station As schematically depicted in FIG 1. the docking station is representatively connected to conventional external desktop computer peripheral devices such a monitor 48. a keyboard 50 and a mouse 52 Dockmg station 14 includes a housmg 54 having a top cover portion 56 which is removable from a bottom wall portion 58 of the housmg to expose the operating components withm the dockmg station

Extendmg along the front side of the docking station 14 (see FIG 1) is a horizontally elongated rectangular 30 opening 60 which is normally covered by a door plate 62. Door plate 62 is connected along its lower side edge to the dockmg station for downward and rearward pivotal motion mto the interior of the dockmg station, and is spring- biased toward its upright position, shown m FIG. 1, in which it covers the openmg 60.

The notebook computer 12 is rearwardly msertable mto the dockmg station 14 through the openmg 60 as indicated by the arrow 64 in FIG 1 In a manner subsequently described, a motonzed drive system withm the 35 dockmg station 14 operates m response to this manual msertion of the notebook computer to further translate it and automatically connect it to peripheral devices such as the external peripheral devices 48.50 and 52 through circuitn m the docking station 14 The motorized drive system is also selectively operable to dπvingly eject the inserted computer outwardly through the openmg 60 and automatically disconnect it from the dockmg station

Immediately to the right of the pivotable door plate 60 are a display window 66. for example, a four 40 character LCD display, in which various docking station operating indicia of the docking station are automaticalK

displayed an on/off/eiect switch 68 and a kev lock 70 for the docking station Exposed beneath the ooor plate 62 are the front ends or a 3 5 floppv disc drive 72 and a 5 25 flopp% αisc απve 74

Turning now to FIG 5. adjacent its front end the left side of the top cover portion 56 of the docking station housmg 54 has a horizontally elongated opening 76 Slidingly supported at the opening 76 is a hoπzontalh elongated door plate 78 that may be moved between its solid line closed position and dotted line open position in which it respectively covers and uncovers the opening 76 With the notebook computer 12 inserted into the docking station 14 and operatively connected to the peripheral devices 48 50 and 52. the notebook computer slots 34 (FIG 2) face and are aligned with the docking station opening 76 Accordingly, when the door plate 78 is opened and the aligned opening 76 and slots 34 thus uncovered, PCMCIA cards may be ooerativelv inserted into the notebook computer from outside the docking station through the opening 76 On the back side of the docking station 14 are an expansion bay structure 80. a circular motor access openmg 82. a locking structure 84 to which one end of an anti-theft security cable may be secured, and a kevlock portion 85 of a subsequently described chassis lockmg system

FIGS 6-8 illustrate the docking station 14 with its top housmg cover portion 56 removed from the bottom housing wall 58 to expose the internal operating components of the docking station These operating components include the previously mentioned floppy disc drives 72 and 74 a power supply unit 86 a hard disc drive 88 shown in phantom in FIG 6. and a svstem planar board 90

As opposed to the motherboard normally incorporated in a computer (such as the motherboard in the notebook computer 12) the planar board 90 does not provide full computer processing control It is thus considerably simpler, smaller and less expensive than the usual desktop motherboard and functions instead, m a manner subsequently described herein, merely to control the operation of the previously mentioned motonzed dockmg system, control the energization of the notebook computer 12 and selected operatmg components of the dockmg station 14 to prevent potentially damaging voltage mismatches, provide an operative interface between the internal operatmg components in the dockmg station and notebook computer, and link the docked notebook computer to the docking station drives 72.74.88 and the external peripheral devices 48,50 and 52

Accordmgly, the overall cost of the desktop portion of the system 10 is considerably reduced compared to a conventionally constructed desktop computmg system When the notebook computer 12 is operatively disposed withm the dockmg station 14, the resultmg desktop computmg system utilizes the notebook computer motherboard as its mam processmg circuitry and permits the use of the desktop peripheral devices in place of the corresponding components on the notebook computer The user is thus provided with the advantages of both a notebook computer and a desktop computer system at a considerable reduction m cost

Also incorporated m the dockmg station 14 is a specially designed dockmg tray subassembly 92 (FIGS 6-8) which is shown removed from the dockmg station m FIGS 9-17 Subassembly 92 defines withm the docking station 14 a receivmg area m the form of an internal chamber into which the notebook computer 12 may be inserted, and includes a hollow rectangular tray structure havmg open front and top sides, a bottom tray wall 94. opposite upstandmg left and right end walls 96 and 98, and an upstandmg rear side wall 100 to which the planar board 90. a part of the removable subassembly 92, is connected

Extending horizontally along the inner sides of the upstanding tray end walls 96,98 are elongated support members 102 havmg upper horizontal tracks 104. and narrower lower horizontal tracks 106. formed therein The upper tracks 104 are configured to slidingly receive the notebook computer guide rails 28 when the computer is

manually inserted into the interior of the tray structure, through the opening 60. this sliding receipt of the computer guide rails 28 being shown in FIG. 12. As the notebook computer 12 is inserted rearwardly into the tray structure. the cooperation between the guide rails 28 and the upper tracks 104 maintains the male pin connector portion 44 on the back side of the computer (see FIG. 3) in precise alignment with a female pin connector portion 44a projecting forwardly beyond the rear side wall 100 of the tray structure.

The lower support member tracks 106 slidingly receive opposite left and right end portions of a rectangular travel plate member 108 disposed within the tray structure for front-to-rear movement relative thereto and having a front-to-rear width less than that of the bottom tray wall 94. The travel plate 108 has a front side edge 1 10. and a rear side edge 1 12 having an upstanding rear side wall 1 14 along a right end portion thereof. Travel plate 108 is selectively drivable forwardly and rearwardly relative to the tray subassembly 92 by means of the previously mentioned motorized docking station drive system which includes an electric stepper motor 116 supported on the rear side wall 100 of the tray structure, by a mounting bracket 1 18. and having a forwardly projecting, externally threaded drive shaft 120.

Still referring to FIGS. 6-17, drive shaft 120 threadingly extends through a drive nut 122 fixedly secured to the rear end of a drive bracket 124 that extends forwardly through a notch 126 formed in the rear side wall 100 of the tray structure. The front end of the drive bracket 124 is fixedly secured to the upstanding rear wall 1 14 of the travel plate 108. Accordingly, motor-driven rotation of the shaft 122 in one direction drives the travel plate 108 forwardly within the interior of the tray structure, while motor-driven rotation of the shaft 122 in the opposite direction drives the travel plate 108 rearwardly within the interior of the tray structure. The motorized docking station drive system also includes a specially designed latch assembly 130 (also depicted in FIGS. 18A-19B) which is carried on the underside of the travel plate 108, for driven movement therewith, and exposed through an opening 132 formed in the stationary bottom tray wall 94. As later described, the latch assembly 130 is operable to releasably secure the manually inserted notebook computer 12 to the travel plate 108 for motor-driven movement therewith within the interior of the tray structure portion of the docking tray subassembly 92.

General Operation of the Docking Station

FIGS. 20A-20D schematically depict the motor-driven movement of the travel plate 108 and the notebook computer 12 within the tray subassembly 92. Referring initially to FIG. 20A, before the notebook computer 12 is inserted into the interior of the docking station through its front opening 60, the travel plate 108 is normally in its intermediate receiving or "wait" position, shown in FIG. 20A, in which the front side edge 110 of the travel plate is spaced rearwardly apart from the front side edge of the bottom tray wall 94, and the upstanding rear wall 114 of the travel plate 108 is spaced forwardly apart from the rear side wall 100 of the tray structure. The schematically depicted travel plate position in FIG. 20A corresponds to the position of travel plate 108 shown in FIG. 9, with the corresponding orientations of the drive nut and bracket 122,124 being illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. However, for various reasons, the travel plate 108 may at this time be disposed slightly forwardly or rearwardly of its wait position shown in FIGS. 9 and 20A. To assure that the travel plate 108 is precisely positioned in its wait orientation before the notebook computer 12 is manually inserted into the interior of the tray structure, the docking station drive system is activated in a manner subsequently described to cause the stepper motor 1 16 to forwardly drive the travel plate 108 from its solid line position in FIG. 20A to the indicated dotted line calibration position as indicated by the arrow 134. When the travel plate 108 forwardly reaches such calibration position, the

stepper motor 1 1 is reversed an rotate t rougn a predetermined number ot steps to rearwardlv drive the travel oiate 108 as indicated bv tne arrow 136 preciseiv to its solid line wait position

Λ.tter thιs travel plate positional calibration is automatically effected the notebook computer 12 is manuallv inserted into the interior of the trav structure through openmg 60 above the travel plate 108 until the rear side 22 of the inserted computer is brought mto abutment with the upstanding rear wall 1 14 of the travel plate 108 as shown in FIG 20B At this point the latch assembl ^y 130 in a manner later described, automatically acts to lock the inserted notebook computer 12 to the travel plate 108 The sliding receipt of the computer guide rails 28 in the support member tracks 104 (see FIG 12) serves to precisely align the male pin connector portion 44 with the female pin connector portion 44a as previously mentioned, in a torwardiv spaced relationship therewith Next, the motorized dockmg station drive system rearwardly drives the travel plate 108 and thus the notebook computer 12 locked thereto, toward the rear trav structure side wall 100 (as indicated bv the arrow 138 m FIG 20C) to brmg the travel plate 108 to its docking position This rearward driven movement of the travel plate- supported notebook computer 12 forcibly creates the operative mterengagement of the computer and tray structure pm connector portions 44,44a as schematically depicted in FIG 20C Such mterconnection operatively links the operatmg components in the notebook computer 12 and the docking station 14 and readies the resulting desktop computer station for operation using the external desktop peripheral devices 48.50 and 52 (see FIG 1 ) under the processing control of the notebook computer motherboard

It is important to note that no manual force is required to effect the interconnection between the mating pin connector structures 44 and 44a on the notebook computer and the docking station - such interconnection is forcibly and automatically achieved via the operation of the motorized dockmg station drive system Additionally, as the notebook computer 12 is automatically driven from its FIG 20B manually positioned receiving orientation to its FIG. 20C docked position, the sliding cooperation between the computer guide rails 28 and the support member tracks 104 maintains a very precise alignment between the pm connector portion 44a and the pin connector portion 44 rearwardly approaching it Accordingly, the dockmg station automatically and mechanically provides the necessarv connector alignment and interconnection force to achieve the operative dockmg of the notebook computer 12. thereby eliminating possible manual errors in these processes The docked position of the travel plate 108 schematically depicted in FIG 20C is also shown m FIGS 11 and 13. with the corresponding orientations of the drive nut and bracket 122,124 bemg shown m FIGS 11 and 12 Referring now to FIG 20D, to remove the docked notebook computer 12 from the mteπor of the dockmg station, the dockmg station switch 68 (see FIG 1) is simply operated in its "eject" mode This automatically operates the motonzed dnve system to forcibly translate the travel plate 108 (and thus the notebook computer 12) in a forward direction, as mdicated by the arrow 140, to its full ejection position shown in FIG 20D The travel plate 108 in its full ejection position is also snown in FIGS 14 and 16, with the corresponding orientations of the drive nut and bracket 122.124 being shown m FIGS 14-17

This forwardly driven movement of the travel plate 108 accomplishes two thmgs First, as schematically shown in FIG 20D. it forcibly disconnects the pm connector portions 44 44a from one another, thereby terminating the previous operative interconnection between the notebook computer 12 and the dockmg station 14 Second, in a manner later described herein, it automatically causes the latch svstem 130 to unlock the notebook computer 12 from the travel plate 108

Accordingly w nen the travel plate 108 torwardiv reaches its FIG 20D full ejection position (which is the same as its dotted line calibration position shown in FIG 20A). the notebook computer 12 mav be manually pulled out or the trav structure interior, while the travel plate is automatically driven back to its FIG 20A wait position reaoving it for another calibration dockmg and undocking driven movement cycle via the operation of the ^*• motorized docking station drive system As shown in FIG 20 A, removal of the notebook computer 12 permits the spring-biased door plate 62 to pop up to its normal upright position in which it covers the openmg 60

Turning now to FIGS 18A - 19B. the latch assembly 130 as previously mentioned is carried on the underside of the travel plate 108 for driven movement therewith, and is exposed through an openmg 132 in the bottom trav structure wall 94 Latch assemblv 130 includes an elongated rectangular flipper plate 142 and an 10 elongated rectangular release plate 144

Flipper plate 142 has a transverse pm portion 146 positioned at its inner end The outer ends of pin portion

146 are journaled m two downwardly projecting tabs 148 positioned on opposite sides of a rectangular openmg 150 formed through the travel plate 108 Tins connection permits the flipper plate 142 to pivot upwardly and downwardly relative to the travel plate 108, about the pin portion 146. as may be seen by comparing FIGS 18A and

I 18B

At the outer eno of the flipper plate 142 is an upturned engagement tab 152 positioned directly beneath a rectangular opening 154 in the travel plate 108 A downwardly projecting embossment 156 formed on the travel plate limits the upward pivotal movement ot the flipper plate 142 For purposes later described, when the flipper plate 142 is at its upwardly pivoted position (FIG 18B), its outer end tab 152 extends upwardlv through the travel 0 plate openmg 154 to above the top surface of the travel plate 108 as may be seen in FIGS 6 and 7 On the other hand when the flipper plate 142 is in its downwardly pivoted position (FIG 18 A), its outer end tab 152 is positioned m a downwardly spaced apart relationship with the travel plate opening 154 as shown m FIGS 9 and 14

Projectmg from one side edge of the flipper plate 142 is a generally L-shaped tab 158 havmg an outer end portion 160 that forwardly extends, at a downwardly inclined angle, toward a downwardly projectmg embossment 25 162 (see FIGS 18A and 18B) formed on the bottom tray wall 94 Projectmg from the opposite side edge of the flipper plate 142 is a tab 164 having a downturned outer end portion 166

The elongated release plate 144 is pivotally connected at an inner end thereof, at pomt 168, to the underside of the travel plate 108 The outer end 170 of the release plate 144 is transversely enlarged and has an arcuate slot 172 therein Captively retamed m slot 172 is a rivet 174 secured to the travel plate 108 and serving to shdably retain 30 the release plate end 170 agamst the travel plate as the release plate 144 pivots between its FIG 19A and FIG 19B positions An upturned contact tab 176 formed on the rear side of the outer release plate end 170 extends upwardly through a rectangular openmg 178 m the travel plate 108, with the upper end of the tab 176 bemg disposed above the upper side surface of the travel plate 108, adjacent its back wall segment 114, as shown m FIGS 6,7,9,1 1 and 14 35 Tabs 180 and 182 project outwardly from the front side of the release plate 144 With the release plate 144 in its FIG 19A position the tab 180 extends across the underside of the travel plate openmg 154, and with the release plate 144 pivoted to its FIG 19B position the tab 180 is swung rearwardly away from the plate openmg 154 The tab 182 has a downturned outer end 184 connected to the downturned flipper plate outer tab end 166 by a coiled tension spring 186 Sprmg 186 performs two functions First, it pivotally biases the flipper plate 142

upwardlv toward the underside of the travel plate 108 Second it pivotallv biases the release Plate 144 forwardiv toward the travel plate opening 1 4

Still referring mamlv to FIGS 18A - 19B. the latch assemolv 130 functions as tollows in conjunction vvitn the motorized docking station drive svstem The components of the latch assembly 130 are shown m FIGS 18A and 19A in the relative positions that thev assume when the travel plate 108 is in its wait position as illustrated in FIGS 9 and 10 Specifically, the release plate 144 is pivoted to its forward limit position, the release plate contact tab 176 is projecting upwardlv through the travel plate opening 178 adjacent its front side edge, the release plate tab 180 extends across the travel plate opening 154 and the flipper plate 142 is downwardly pivoted with the outer end of its engagement tab 152 being held against the underside of the release plate tab 180 by the pivotal biasing force of sprmg 186 The release plate tab 180 accordmglv prevents the flipper plate tab 152 from extendmg upwardlv through the travel plate opening 154

When the notebook computer 12 is manually inserted into the dockmg station 14 as previouslv descnbed and the back side 22 of the inserted computer approaches the rear travel plate wall 1 14 (see FIG 20B), the back computer side 22 engages and rearwardlv moves the upwardly projectmg release plate tab contact 176 and pushes it from its FIG 19A position to its FIG 19B position thereby also rearwardlv pivoting the release plate 144 from its FIG 19A position to its FIG 19B position This pivotal motion of the release plate 144 moves the release plate tab 1 80 rearwardly awav from the travel plate opening 154 thereby permitting the biasing force of sprmg 186 to upwardly pivot the flipper plate from its FIG 18A position to its FIG 18B position in which the flipper plate engagement tab 152 is extended upwardlv through the travel plate opening 154 to above the top side surface of the travel plate 108

This upward movement of the flipper plate engagement tab 152 through the travel plate openmg 154 causes the tab 152 to enter the complementaπly configured bottom side indentation 46 on the notebook computer 12 (see FIG 4) This entry of the tab 152 mto the indentation 46 locks the computer 12 to the travel plate for rearwardlv dnven movement therewith Accordmgly, when the travel plate 108 is motor-driven rearwardly to its docked position schematically depicted in FIG 20C the aligned pin connector portions 44 44a are driven mto mating engagement, thereby docking the notebook computer 12 and operatively connecting its internal operatmg components to those m the dockmg station 14

In FIGS 18B and 19B the components of the latch assembly 130 are shown in the positions that they are brought to when the travel plate 108 is rearwardly dnven from its wait position to its docked position As the travel plate 108 is later bemg driven forwardly from its docked position toward its ejection position, the downwardly and forwardly slopmg flipper plate tab end portion 160 contacts and slides over the underside of the bottom tray wall embossment 162 This, in turn, causes the embossment 162 to downwardly pivot the flipper plate 142, thereby withdrawing the flipper plate engagement tab 152 from the bottom computer side mdentation 46 and allowing the spring 186 to forwardly pivot the release plate 144 and once again position its tab 180 between the flipper plate engagement tab 152 and the travel plate openmg 154 The repositioning of the tab 180 in this manner keeps the engagement tab 152 from passmg upwardly through the travel plate openmg 154 until the travel plate 108 is dnven back to its wait position and the computer is agam manually inserted into the interior of the dockmg station as previously described

The operation of the motorized dockmg station drive system is regulated by an electromechanical control system, subsequently described herem. that includes the following electrical switch structures

1. A cover detect switch 190 shown in FIG. 21 :

2. A notebook power-on detect switch 192 shown in FIG. 6:

3. A notebook detect switch 194 shown in FIG. 13 :

4. A PCMCIA door detect switch 196 shown in FIG. 13: 5. An I/O door detect switch 198 shown in FIG. 16:

6. A zero position detect switch 200 shown in FIG. 18A:

7. A latch means or flipper plate detect switch 202 shown in FIG. 18A: and

8. A loopback detect switch 268 shown in FIG. 25.

Referring now to FIG. 21. the cover detect switch 190 is interiorly mounted on a rear chassis wall portion 204 of the docking station 14 and has an actuating arm 206. When the top housing cover portion 56 is operatively installed on the docking station 15. a rear side wail portion 56a of the housing cover 56 outwardly overlies the rear chassis wall 204. and a pin 208 secured to the cover wall 56a projects inwardly through an opening 210 in the chassis wall 204. The inwardly projecting pin 208 forwardly contacts the switch actuating arm 206 in a manner closing the switch 190. Via the subsequently described control system, closure of the switch 190 in this manner permits operation of the docking station drive station. Conversely, when the housing cover 56 is removed, the switch 190 opens to preclude operation of the docking station 14 without its housing cover portion 56 properly installed thereon.

The notebook power-on detect switch 192 is a photodarlington switch mounted on the outer end of a forwardly cantilevered support bracket 212 secured to the top edge of the rear tray structure wall 100. Switch 192 is positioned to directly overlie the computer "power on" indicating light 32a (see FIG. 1) on the top side of the notebook computer 12 as the computer is rearwardly carried by the travel plate 108 toward operative engagement with connector portion 44a. If the switch 192 senses that the indicating light 32a is on, it functions to prevent docking of the computer until it is turned off.

The notebook detect switch 194 is exteriorly secured to the left tray structure side wall 96 and has an actuating portion 194a extending, through a small opening in such side wall, into the adjacent upper support member track 104. Accordingly, when the notebook computer 12 is inserted into the interior of the docking station 14 as previously described, the left computer guide rail 28 contacts and depresses the switch actuating portion 194a to close the switch 194 which responsively signals the control system that the notebook computer 12 has been inserted into the docking station 14. The PCMCIA door detect switch 196 is exteriorly secured to the left tray structure side wall 96 and positioned to be engaged by the door plate 78 and closed when the door plate 78 is closed. Conversely, when the door plate 78 is opened, the switch 196 is opened and operates to preclude the drive system from undocking the notebook computer 12. This function serves to protect PCMCIA cards still inserted into the docked computer, and projecting outwardly through the docking station opening 76 (FIG. 5), when the switch 68 (FIG. 1) is operated in its eject mode.

The I/O door switch 198 is mounted on the rear tray structure wall 100 directly behind a small opening 214 formed through the rear travel plate wall 1 14. Switch 198 operates in conjunction with an elongated flexible metal plate member 216 having one end fixedly secured to the front side of the travel plate wall 114, and a forwardly curved outer end portion 218 having a rearwardly directed free end 220 (see FIG. 16) forwardly adjacent the travel plate rear wall opening 214.

As the nserte note oo computer 1 s rearward y driven toward ts docked position, with the rear side computer door 38 (see FIGS. 3 and 4. properly opened, the bent metal plate portion 218 passes inwardly through the opened door 38. contacts the computer s metal I/O plate 42 and electrostatically discharges it prior to the docking of the computer. However, if the computer door 38 is closed, the bent plate portion 218 is engaged by the closed door 38 and rearwardly deflected by continued rearward movement of the travel plate 108. Such rearward deflection of the bent plate portion 218 forces the free plate end 220 rearwardly through the travel plate wall opening 214 and causes it to engage the switch 198. The engaged switch 198 responsively terminates the docking motion of the travel plate 108 to thereby prevent the mating engagement of the pin connector portions 44.44a. In contrast, any rearward deflection of the bent plate portion 218 resulting from contact with the I/O plate 42 will fail to cause the engagement of the switch 198 as there is insufficient rearward movement of the travel plate 108 before operative engagement of the connector portions 44.44a to deflect the bent plate portion 218 sufficiently to cause engagement of the switch 198.

The zero position detect switch 200 is secured to the underside of the bottom tray wall 94. forwardly of the latch assembly 130. and has an actuating arm portion 222. When the travel plate 108 is forwardly driven from its wait position to its calibration position, or from its docked position to its ejection position as the case may be, the tab 148b engages and forwardly depresses the switch actuating arm 222. In response to the depression of its actuating arm 222, the switch 200 causes the drive system to rearwardly move the travel plate 108 from its forward limit (or "zero") position (i.e.. either its calibration or ejection position) back to its wait position.

The flipper plate detect switch 202 is a normally open switch, is secured to the underside of the travel plate 108 for movement therewith, has an actuating arm portion 224. and operates to indicate to the drive system the pivotal position of the flipper plate 142. When the release plate 144 is in its FIG. 19A orientation (in which the flipper plate 142 is "down"), the downturned outer end 184 of the release plate tab 182 contacts and depresses the actuating arm 224 as shown in FIG. 18B, thereby closing the switch 202. Conversely, when the release plate 144 is in its FIG. 19B orientation (in which the flipper plate 142 is "up"), the downturned outer end 184 of the release plate tab 182 is disengaged from the actuating arm 224. thereby permitting the switch 202 to return to its normally open mode.

The so-called loopback detect "switch" 268 is, in fact, an electrical circuit open between a pair of electrical contacts 270a, 272a (see FIG. 25) of the connector portion 44a of the docking station 14. When the connector portions 44, 44a are operatively interengaged. electrical contacts 270a. 272a engage corresponding electrical contacts 270, 272 of the connector portion 44 of the notebook computer 12. As contacts 270 and 272 are jumpered together, this closes the loopback detect circuit, thereby providing a detectable indication that the rearward movement of the travel plate 108 has effected the operative interengagment of the connector portions 44, 44a to complete the docking procedure. Drive Motor Access and Chassis Locking System As illustrated in FIG. 13, a rear end portion 120a of the stepper motor drive shaft 120 is exposed at the back end of the motor 1 16 and has formed therein a screwdriver slot 226. In the event that the drive system becomes jammed or otherwise inoperative for some reason, a screwdriver may be used in conjunction with slot 226 to manually rotate the stepper motor to permit the inserted notebook computer 12 to be unlocked from the travel plate 108 and withdrawn from the interior of the docking station 14 by manually driving the travel plate 108 forwardly until the flipper plate is downwardly pivoted to withdraw the engagement tab 152 from the bottom computer side

indentation 46 Manua riving ot t e travel p ate is mec anica y stooped bv the engagement ot the tab 148b w ith the bottom trav wall front opening surtace portion 132a (see FIGS 18 A and 18B . at a position ιust forward ot tne travel plate zero position Screwdriver access to the slot is provided bv the previously mentioned motor access opening 82 on the back side of the computer 12 (see FIG 5) and an aligned openmg 82a formed m the rear chassis wall 204

A chassis lockmg system is incorporated in the docking station 14 and serves, for anti-tampeπng purposes to releasablv lock the housing cover 56 to the interior chassis portion of the docking station, and also selectivelv preclude access to the motor shaft slot 226 via the wall openings 82 and 82a

Referring now to FIGS 5 8. 22 and 23 the chassis locking system includes a lockmg plate member 228 positioned inwardly of the chassis wall 204 immediately behmd a complementaπly configured openmg 230 (see FIG 8) formed through the chassis wall 204 beneath the access opening 82a Plate 228 is secured to the keylock 70 for key-driven rotation relative to the docking station between a horizontal position m which plate 228 is aligned with the openmg 230 and may be outwardly withdrawn therethrough, and a vertical position in which the plate extends upwardly behmd the chassis wall and thus precludes removal of the housmg cover portion 56 from the balance of the docking station 14 With the plate 228 in its vertical position, the plate mwardlv blocks the access openings 82 and 82a. thereby preventing insertion ot a screwdriver therethrough Electromechanical Control System

As previously mentioned, the operation of the motorized dockmg station drive system is regulated by a specially designed electromechanical control system, including the switches 190 - 202 and 268 generally described above, which will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS 24-28

Refemng next to FIG 24. a simplified block diagram of the system planar board 90 which controls the operation of the mechanized dockmg system and the energization of the notebook computer 12 and selected operating components of the dockmg station 14 and which provides the operative interface between components of the notebook computer 12 and the dockmg station 14, the external peripheral devices 48. 50 and 52 and the dockmg station drives 72, 74 and 88 will now be described m greater detail Installed on the system planar board 90 is a microcontroller 232 for example, a Model 80C51SL microcontroller manufactured by Intel Corporation of Santa Clara. California, which conjunction with electrically programmable read only memory (or "EPROM") 234 and static random access memory (or "SRAM") 236, controls the mechanized dockmg of the notebook computer 12 withm the dockmg station 14 and the selective energization and de-energization of the notebook computer 12 and selective operatmg components of the dockmg station 14

More specifically, duπng both the dockmg and ejection procedures, the microcontroller 232 receives data regarding conditions withm the dockmg station 14 which may affect these procedures from selected ones of the cover detect switch 190, the notebook power-on switch 192, the notebook detect switch 194, the PCMCIA door detect switch 196, the I/O door switch 198, the zero position detect switch 200, the flipper plate detect switch 202 and the loopback detect switch 268 via a 2X8 jumper connector 238, executes a senes of instructions embedded as firmware withm the microcontroller 232 to determine, in accordance with the dockmg and ejection procedures described in greater detail below the appropriate steps to be taken duπng such procedures in view of the received data, and issues commands to a motor controller 240 which is connected, via connector 242, to the stepper motor 1 16 In response to signals received from the microcontroller 232. the motor controller 240 instructs the stepper motor 116 to rotate the drive shaft 120 a specified number of steps m a selected direction, each step resultmg in

either the forward or rearward movement of the travel plate 108 a horizontal distance which corresponds to the step. The microcontroller 232 also issues commands, via 2X12 connector 243. to the display window 66 to generate messages related to the commands issued to the stepper motor 1 16.

In addition to controlling the mechanized docking of the notebook computer 12 with the docking station 14. the system planar board 60 further provides a connective interface between the notebook computer 12. various operating components of the docking station 14 and various external peripheral devices associated with the docking station 14. Specifically, when the connector portion 44 of the notebook computer 12 engages the connector portion 44a of the docking station 14. the notebook computer 12 is connected, via address, data and control bus 244 to the hard disc drive 88 through IDE interface connector 246 and. via the IDE interface connector 246. to the monitor 48. keyboard 50, mouse 52. 3.5" floppy drive 72 and 5.25" floppy drive 74 through connectors 248. 250. 252. 254 and 256. respectively. The notebook computer 12 is further connected to serial and parallel port connectors 258. 260 via the address, data and control bus 244 and buffer 262 and to expansion bay structure 80 via the address, data and control bus 244 and I/O expansion connector 264.

Finally, the microcontroller 232 also controls the energization of the notebook computer 12 and selected operating components of the docking station 12. To do so. the power supply unit 86. which is connected to the system planar board 90 by power supply connector 266. continuously supplies power to the microcontroller 232 and the display window 66 via a standby VCC line while the remaining power lines are bussed through power supply controller 268. As the microcontroller 232 is provided with a continous supply of power, the microcontroller 232 may issue commands to selectively energize and de-energize the notebook computer 12 and selected operating components of the docking station 14 and messages relating to its operation, even when the remaining operating components of the docking station 14 remain de-energized. To energize and de-energize the notebook computer 12 and selected components of the docking station 14. the microcontroller 232 issues commands to power supply controller 268 to selectively activate the +/- 5,12 volt power lines to energize various operating components of the docking station 14 and the 18 volt power line to energize the notebook computer 12. Referring next to FIGS. 24 and 25. the electromechanical control system for regulating the operation of the motorized travel plate 108 will now be described in greater detail. The microcontroller 232 includes a keyboard controller portion 232a which, in traditional applications of the microcontroller 232 would control the operation of a keyboard to detect the input of data, therefrom by sensing the depression of keys, is utilized in the present application to collect data regarding the conditions within the docking station 14 which may affect how the microcontroller 232 controls movement of travel plate 108 during docking, ejection and reset procedures described below by scanning the switches 190. 194, 196, 198, 200, 202 and 268.

More specifically, the switches 190, 192, 194, 196, 198, 202, 202 and 268 are connected between respective contact pairs provided on the 2X12 jumper connector 238. The keyboard controller portion 232a sends periodic inquiry signals to the switches 190, 194, 196, 198, 200, 202 and 268 via keyboard controller outputs KS00, KS01, KS02, KS03, KS04, KS05 and KS06, respectively, and depending on the return level received at keyboard controller input KSI1, determines whether the switches 190, 194, 196. 198, 200, 202 and 268 are open or closed. As there is a common keyboard controller input KSI1 for the keyboard controller outputs KSO0. KSOl. KS02. KS03, KS04. KS05. and KS06, the keyboard controller 232a sends the periodic inquiry signals to the switches 190. 194. 196. 198, 200, 202 and 268 in a sequence more fully described below.

e note oo power-on sw tc s a ser es s con p oto ar ngton p ys ca y mounte on the support bracket 212 and electrically connected to a contact pair of the 2X12 jumper connector 238 such that the photodarlington input is connected to the +5 voltage line and the photodarlington output connected to the PHAIN line. Whenever light is shined on lens 274 of the photodarlington. sufficient electric current is generated so that transistors 276. 278 conduct, thereby generating current along line PHAIN. Line PHAIN is connected to the microcontroller at pin AINO so that the voltage across line PHAIN. which may vary between 0 and +5 volts depending on the amount on light shined on lens 24. may be input to A/D converter 232b for conversion to a digital value and. depending on the level of the detected voltage signal and its oscillation frequency, the microprocessor 232 may determine that the detected voltage signal as indicative of a power-on condition for the notebook computer 12.

More specifically, after the notebook computer 12 is engaged by the flipper plate 142. the travel plate 108 begins to rearwardly drive the notebook computer 12 towards operative engagement with the connector portion 44a. However, if the notebook computer 12 is energized when operative engagement occurs, various components of the docking station 14, in particular, the system planar board 90 could be damaged and/or destroyed by such an energized operative engagement. The notebook computer 12 is equipped, however, with an green LED 32a which is "illuminated" whenever the notebook computer 12 is energized. The LED 32a is illuminated whenever it oscillates between on and off conditions at a frequency of 64 Hz. such that it appears to the eye to be in the on condition at all times. Prior to initiation of the docking procedure, the photodarlington 192 conducts current at a first (or "zero") level based upon the level of ambient light in the interior of the docking station 14. If the notebook computer 12 is energized when it approaches operative engagement with the connector portion 44a. the notebook power-on switch 192, will begin to conduct at an increased current level when the LED 32a becomes aligned with the photodarlington. Accordingly, the voltage detected by the microprocessor 232 will noticeably increase and will oscillate between its zero level and its increased level at a frequency of 64 Hz. When the microprocessor 232 detects the presence of an increased voltage oscillating at 64 Hz., it concludes that the increased voltage is due to the illumination of the LED 32a and will issue instructions to the motor controller 240 to terminate rearward stepping of the travel plate 108 and initiate a reset procedure and issue instructions to the display window 66 to generate a message indicating that the notebook computer 12 is energized. However, before it can conclusively determine that the notebook computer 12 is energized, the microprocessor 232 must detect the aforementioned oscillating voltage for a period greater than 0.5 seconds due to the fact that, if the notebook computer is in "standby" mode, an operatmg mode which, as set forth below, is acceptable for docking purposes, the LED 32a will be similarly illuminated for a period of 0.5 seconds every 8.0 seconds.

Referring next to FIGS. 26-28, docking, ejection and reset procedures controlled by the microcontroller 232 will now be described in greater detail. Referring first to FIG. 26, the procedure by which the notebook computer is docked with the docking station 14 may now be seen. For purposes of describing the docking procedure, it will be presumed that, prior to initiation of the docking procedure, the docking station 14 is connected to an AC power source but is powered-down, i.e. all operating components are de-energized with the exception of the microcontroller 232 which is being supplied by the standby VCC line. The docking procedure commences at step 278 and, proceeding to step 280, awaits initiation by momentarily depressing the on offeject switch 68. i.e., depressing the on/off/eject switch for less than five seconds, of the docking station 14 to turn the docking station 14 on. When the on/off/eject switch 68 is switched into the on position, the docking procedure continues on to step

282 here it is determined w et er t e top cover portion 5 o the housing 54 has been removed most commonlv eitner ior maintenance or repair or the αocKing station 14 As previously described whenever the toϋ cover portion 56 is removed, the cover detect switch 190 opens Accordinglv, it the microcontroller 232 issues an inquiry signal to contact KS05 and receives at contact KSI l an indication that switch 190 is closed the microcontroller 232 determines that the top cover portion 56 has been closed properly and the docking procedure continues at step 288 If. however, the microcontroller 232 receives an indication that switch 190 is open, the microcontroller 232 determines that the top cover portion 56 has either been removed or improperly installed and will transmit a command to the display window 68 at step 284 instructing the display window 68 to generate a message indicating that the top cover portion 56 of the housing 54 has been removed The microcontroller 232 will then suspend all motorized activities involving the stepper motor 1 16 at step 286 and await an indication that the cover detect switch 190 has been closed before continuing on to step 288 It should be further noted that, as the cover detect switch 190 is a safety switch provided to prevent accidental pinching bv the travel plate 108 during forward or backward movement thereof, whenever the microcontroller 232 detects that the cover detect switch 190 is open, the microcontroller 232 will initiate a similar suspension of all motorized activities until closure of the cover detect switch 190 is detected Furthermore, as this inquiry is an exception to the sequential detection of switch openings and/or closures required to perform the motorized docking, ejection and resetting procedures described herein, it is contemplated that the microprocessor 232 intermittent! v issue the "cover open ⁰ " inquiry between the sequential inquiries described below

Continuing with the docking procedure, at step 288, the microcontroller 232 then determines whether the notebook computer 12 is alreadv docked with the docking station 14 The microcontroller 232 makes this determination by issuing sequential inquires regarding the condition of four switches the notebook detect switch 194, the zero position detect switch 200. the flipper plate detect switch 202 and the loopback detect switch 268, at contacts KS03, KS02, KSOl and KS06. respectively, and receiving respective indications at contact KSIl whether the switches have been closed For these switches, the notebook detect switch 194 is closed when the notebook computer 12 has been inserted into the openmg 60 of the dockmg station 14. the zero position detect switch 200 is closed when the travel plate 108 is in the full travel position, the flipper plate detect switch is closed when the engagement tab 152 of the flipper plate 142 projects through the travel plate opening 154 and the loopback detect switch 268 is closed when the connector portions 44, 44a are operatively mterengaged with each other If it is determined, by receiving, at contact KSIl, indications that the zero position detect switch 200 is open while the notebook detect switch 194, the flipper plate detect switch 202 are closed and the loopback detect switch mdicates an operative interengagement of the connector portions 44, 44a, the microcontroller 232 determines that the notebook computer 12 is docked with the dockmg station 14 In this circumstance, the procedure will contmue to step 290 where the microprocessor 232 will issue a command to update the display wmdow 66 with a message indicating that the notebook computer 12 is docked with the docking station 14 and the dockmg procedure will end at step 292

Returning to step 288, if it is determined that the notebook computer 12 is not docked, l e the sequential inquiries of the notebook detect switch 194 the zero position detect switch 200 the flipper plate detect switch 202 and the loopback detect switch 268 at contacts KS03, KS02, KSOl and KS06 produce any resultant indications at contact KSIl other than the particular combination described above, the procedure continues to step 294 where the travel plate 108 is reset

e er ng momentar y to . . t e reset proce ure, y w c t e oc ng stat on c ears any p or positioning of the travel oiate 108 and returns to the ready position, will now be described in greater detail. The reset procedure is initiated at step 400 and. at step 402. the microcontroller 232 instructs the motor controller 240 to step the stepper motor 1 16 a selected number of steps sufficient to forwardly drive the travel plate 108 from its position at the initiation of the reset procedure to the full travel position. More specifically, the microcontroller 232 will instruct the motor controller 240 to forwardly drive the stepper motor 1 16 "x+y" steps, where "x" is the number of steps required to move the travel plate 108 between the docked and ready positions and "y" is the number of steps required to move the travel plate 108 between the ready and full travel positions. Preferably, the microcontroller 232 will instruct the motor controller 240 to perform the initial steps at a reduced speed, typically one-third to one-half of the normal operating speed and then ramp up to full speed for the remaining steps. By doing so. the likelihood of damage and/or wear to the connector portions 44. 44a by a reset initiated from the docking position will be minimized.

While forwardly driving the travel plate 108 from its starting position a distance sufficient to reach the full travel position, the microcontroller 232 will determine whether the switch actuating arm 222 has been depressed by the tab 148b of the travel plate 108 to close the zero position detect switch 200 by issuing sequential inquiries to contact KS02 until receiving, at contact KSIl. an indication that switch 200 is closed. Upon detection of the closure of the zero position detect switch 200 at step 404. the microcontroller 232 instructs the motor controller 240 to ramp down, thereby terminating the forwardly driving stepping of the stepper motor 1 16 at step 406 and instructs the motor controller 240 to ramp up. now in the rearward direction, until the stepper motor 116 has been rearwardly driven "y" steps to move the travel plate 108 into the ready position. After rearwardly stepping the travel plate 108 into the ready position, the microcontroller 232 updates the display window 68 at step 408 to indicate that the docking station 14 is now ready to dock the notebook computer 12 and the reset procedure is successfully completed at step 410.

Returning to step 404, if the zero position detect switch 200 is not closed after forwardly stepping the travel plate 108 x+y steps, the travel plate 108 is lost and most likely jammed at an unknown position within the docking station 14. In this case, the microcontroller 232 will de-energize the stepper motor 1 16. The procedure will then continue to step 412 where the microprocessor 232 updates the display window 68 to display a "call service" message and terminates the reset procedure at step 414 to await service of the unit.

Returning now to step 294 of FIG. 26, after the reset of the travel plate is completed, the method by which the electromechanical control system regulates docking of the notebook computer 12 and the docking station 14 continues at step 302 where the docking station 14 waits for the notebook computer 12 to be manually inserted into the rectangular computer opening 60 of the dockmg station 14 by issuing periodic inquiries to contact KS03. When the notebook computer 12 is inserted into the docking station 14, the left computer guide rail 28 contacts and depresses the switch actuating portion 194a to close the notebook detect switch 194. Closure of the notebook detect switch 194 is detected by the microcontroller 232 by receipt at contact KSIl of an indication that the notebook computer 12 has been inserted into the docking station 14. Upon detection of the insertion of the notebook computer 12 into the docking station at step 302, the docking procedure then proceeds to step 304 and awaits securement of the notebook computer 12 to the travel plate 108 by issuing periodic inquiries to contact KSOl. More specifically, as the notebook computer 12 is manually inserted into the docking station, the guide rails 28 align the notebook computer 12 to first close the notebook detect switch 194. As manual insertion of the notebook computer 12

continues, the back computer side 22 engages and rearwardly moves the release plate tab contact 176. thereby pivoting the flipper plate 142 such that the flipper piate tab end portion 152 engages the bottom side 20 of the notebook computer 12 to secure it to the travel plate 108. When the flipper piate tab end portion 152 engages the bottom side 20. the opening of the flipper detect switch 202 is detected by the microcontroller 232 at contact KSIl. When closure of the notebook detect switch 202 is sequentially followed by opening of the flipper detect switch 202. the microcontroller 232 determines that the notebook has been manually inserted into the opening 60 to the full extent possible and initiates mechanized docking of the notebook computer at step 306 by rearwardly stepping the travel plate "y" times to move the travel plate 108 from the ready position to the docked position. Preferably, the stepper motor 16 is controlled such that the stepper motor is first ramped up to full speed and then, when the travel plate is a specified distance from the connector portion 44a. ramped down to approximately one-third to one-half speed, thereby minimizing potential damage and/or wear to the connector portions 44. 44a during physical mating of the two. Detection of any other sequencing of the switches 194. 202 other than that described above, will result in the immediate termination of the docking procedure and reset of the travel plate 108.

As previously discussed, it is important that the notebook computer 12 be powered down when docking with the docking station 14. Accordingly, if the notebook computer 12 is energized during the docking process, the microcontroller 232 will abort the docking process and initiates the ejection of the undocked notebook computer 12. More specifically, after the stepper motor 1 16 begins to rearwardly drive the travel plate 108 towards the connector portion 44a and before the stepper motor is ramped down to the reduced docking speed, the LED 32a of the notebook computer 12 will become aligned with the photodarlington 192. Once aligned, the microprocessor 232 determines, in accordance with the procedure described above with respect to FIG. 25, whether the notebook computer 12 is energized. If the microcontroller 232 determines, at step 308, that the notebook computer 12 is energized, the procedure continues to steps 310 and 312 where the docking procedure is first aborted by initiating a reset of the travel plate 108, followed by a return to step 302 to await another attempt to dock the notebook computer 12. It should be noted that, as previously discussed, a reset by the travel plate 108 to the full travel position, if initiated while carrying the notebook computer 12, will result in the disengagement of the notebook computer 12 at the full travel position followed by a return of the travel plate 108 to the ready position.

Returning to step 308, if the microcontroller 232 determines that the notebook computer 12 is de-energized, the procedure continues to step 314 where, while the travel plate 108 is traveling rearwardly at a reduced speed, the microcontroller 232 commences issuance of periodic inquiries at contact KSO0 to determine whether the door plate 38 is open to permit engagement of the connector portions 44, 44a. If the door plate 38 is closed, the microcontroller 232 will receive, at contact KSIl, an indication of closure of I/O door detect switch 198. If closure of the switch 198 is detected, the procedure continues to steps 316 and 318 where the microcontroller 232 aborts the docking procedure by initiating a reset of the travel plate 108 before the connector portion 44a contacts the door plate 38 and returns to step 302 to await another attempt to dock the notebook computer 12. As before, initiation of the reset procedure at this stage will disengage the notebook computer 12 at the full travel position and position the travel plate at the ready position.

Returning to step 314, if the door plate 38 is open to permit engagement of the connector portions 44. 44a. the procedure continues to step 320 where, after the metal plate 216 discharges, via the travel plate 108. any electrostatic charge accumulated by the notebook computer 12 and the travel plate 108 drives the connector portions 44. 44a into contact with each other, the microcontroller 232 issues inquiries at contact KS06 to determine whether

the contact between the connector port ons 44. 44a have produced an operative interengagement between the two. thereby indicating that the docking procedure has been completed successfully. More specifically, if the microcontroller 232 detects that the loopback detect circuit 268 between the contacts KS06 and KSIl remains open despite contact between the connector portions 44. 44a. the microcontroller 232 concludes that the docking procedure has been unsuccessful. Accordingly, at steps 322 and 324. the microcontroller 232 initiates a reset of the travel plate 108 and a return to step 302 to await another docking attempt. If, however, the microcontroller 232 determines at step 322 that the loopback detect circuit 268 has been closed by the interengagement of the connector portions 44. 44a. the microcontroller 232 concludes that the connector portions 44. 44a have been successfully interengaged. thereby providing interconnection between the notebook computer 12, the external peripheral devices 48. 50 and 52 and the docking station drives 72. 74 and 88. The microcontroller 232 then issues an instruction to the display window 68 at step 326 to indicate that docking has been complete. The docking procedure will then conclude successfully at step 328.

Referring next to FIG. 27, the procedure by which the notebook computer 12, now docked with the docking station 14, is ejected from the docking station 14 will now be described in greater detail. The ejection procedure commences at step 350 with the notebook computer 12 docked and ready for ejection, for example, at the completion of a work session. At step 352. an eject press of the on/off/eject switch 68 is awaited. In the present embodiment of the invention, the on/off/eject switch 68 is depressed for more than 1.5 seconds to initiate an ejection of the notebook computer 12. When an ejection is initiated using the on/off/eject switch 68. the microcontroller 232 first issues an inquiry at contact KS04 whether the door plate 78 is open. If a PCMCIA card had been operatively inserted into the slot 34 of the notebook computer 12 during a work session and left inserted at the end of the session, the PCMCIA card could be damaged by striking the periphery of the cover opening 76 through which the PCMCIA extends. Accordingly, after initiation of an ejection, the microcontroller 232 first determines whether the PCMCIA door detect switch 196 is open. If the microcontroller 232 receives an indication at contact KSIl that the switch 196 is open, it is determined that the door plate 78 is open and the process proceeds to step 356 where the display window 68 is updated with a message indicating that the PCMCIA door is open.

Continuing to step 358, the process waits for a selected time period, for example. 5 seconds, to provide time for the computer operator to close the door plate 78 and, at step 360, again issues an inquiry to contact KS04 to determine whether the door plate 78 has since been closed. If the microcontroller 232 receives an indication at contact KSIl that the door plate 78 is still open, the display window 68 is updated with a message indicating the ejection process has been canceled at step 362 and, at step 364, the ejection process ends without a successful ejection of the notebook computer 12.

If the door plate 78 was closed when the ejection process was initiated or was closed in response to the update window indication that the door plate 78 was open, the microcontroller 232 receives an indication at contact KSIl that the switch 196 has been closed and the procedure continues to step 366 where the stepper motor 116 steps out a known number of steps sufficient to move the docking tray from the docked position to the ejection/full travel position. After the stepper motor 116 has stepped out the proper number of steps, at step 368, the microcontroller 232 issues an inquiry to contact KS02 as to whether the zero position detect switch 200 has been closed by the notebook computer carrying travel plate 108 being driven to full travel position. If the zero position detect switch 200 has not been closed by the travel plate 108 being driven x+y steps forward from the docked position, the position of the travel plate 108 is indeterminate and a critical error has occurred. For example, if the notebook

computer 12 jammed in the computer opening 60 during the ejection process, the motor controller 120 would still would still issue the step instructions but the stepper motor 1 16 would be unable to move the travel plate 108 forward towards the full travel position. Accordingly, if the microcontroller 232 receives an indication at contact KSIl that the zero position detect switch 200 is not closed at step 368. the display window 66 is updated at step 370 to display a "call service ^" message and the ejection process is terminated unsuccessfully at step 372.

If. however, the microcontroller 232 receives an indication at contact KSI l that the zero position detect switch 290 is closed and the travel plate 108 has reached the zero position, the stepper motor 1 16 reverses to step the travel plate 108 to the ready position at step 374 and the ejection process concludes successfully at step 376. The notebook computer 12. having been automatically released from engagement with the travel plate 108 in the manner previously described when the travel plate 108 reaches the full travel position, remains in the full travel position for manual removal from the computer opening 66.

The foregoing detailed description is to be clearly understood as being given by way of illustration and example only, the spirit and scope of the present invention being limited solely by the appended claims.