Apparatus for auto docking PCI cards

A hot docking mechanism enables a PCI type card with an edge connector to be inserted into an enclosure and docked in a card socket on the motherboard without operator access to the enclosure interior. A card holder carries the card and is supported on a card guide for sliding motion into the enclosure to a position at which the edge connector is aligned with the socket secured to the device motherboard. A camming assembly includes a sliding cam operable from outside the enclosure to convert horizontal sliding motion to vertical motion of the card into and out of the socket. The card holder is cammed out of the sliding support of the card guide during docking and returned to sliding support when the camming mechanism undocks the card. The card guide also comprises a rail that guides the card holder within the enclosure during both card docked and card undocked conditions. The card holder supports and enhances circuit card rigidity while the camming assembly, supported on the lower mother board surface beneath the socket, increases mother board rigidity during docking and undocking. The card is supported on the card holder and the camming connections are disposed at the longitudinal ends and aligned with the socket to minimize pitch and yaw during card docking and undocking.