Abstract:
A lid sealing structure is provided that includes a housing, a lid, and a waterproof gasket. The housing defines an interior space with an opening and includes a sealing portion that encircles the opening and provides access to the interior space. The lid is configured to cover and uncover the opening. The waterproof gasket includes a base portion, a first contact portion, and a second contact portion. The base portion is mounted to the lid, and the first and second contact portions extend from the base portion and arranged to contact the sealing portion.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-032200, filed on Feb. 17, 2010. The entire disclosures of Japanese Patent Applications No. 2010-032200 is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Technical Field 
         [0003]    The technology disclosed herein relates to a lid sealing structure. 
         [0004]    2. Background Information 
         [0005]    Electronic devices having a water-resistant feature, and electronic devices that can be used in water often make use of a lid structure for preventing water from penetrating into the holding component in which a battery or the like is held, on the lid that blocks off the holding component. Also, in addition to batteries, a memory card or other such storage medium is often held in the holding component. 
         [0006]    Preventing the invasion of water into the holding component is critical with an electronic device such as this. Not only would such invasion short out the battery, but it could also lead to the loss of or damage to important data if the electronic device is one that produces, edits, records, or otherwise handles data. 
         [0007]    Further, recent years have seen digital cameras come onto the market which can be used in the ocean at depths of from a few meters or about 10 meters, even though the case is not equipped with any waterproofing function such as a marine case. With a digital camera such as this, a lid structure with an improved waterproof function is needed to maintain the waterproof function against high water pressure. Also, when a marine case or other such outer casing is used on an electronic device not equipped with a waterproof function, a relatively good waterproof function is needed for the outer casing just as above. 
         [0008]    With the lid sealing structure described in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application JP2003-142841, the battery compartment is sealed by bringing a waterproof gasket, which is mounted around the outer periphery of a waterproof gasket seat, into snug contact with the inclined face of the opening part of the battery compartment. 
         [0009]    With the battery lid structure described in JP 2003-142841, however, since the waterproof gasket only comes into direct contact at one place on the inclined face of the opening part of the battery compartment, it is difficult to maintain the sealed state of the battery compartment if hair, sand, or other foreign matter should become stuck between the waterproof gasket and the inclined face of the opening to the battery compartment. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0010]    One object of the invention to provide a lid sealing structure whereby the sealing performance can be improved. 
         [0011]    In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a lid sealing structure is provided that includes a housing, a lid, and a waterproof gasket. The housing defines an interior space with an opening and includes a sealing portion that encircles the opening and provides access the interior space. The lid is configured to cover and uncover the opening. The waterproof gasket includes a base portion, a first contact portion, and a second contact portion. The base portion is mounted to the lid, and the first and second contact portions extend from the base portion and arranged to contact the sealing portion. 
         [0012]    These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of this original disclosure: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1A  is a rear view of a digital camera,  FIG. 1B  is a front view of a digital camera, and  FIG. 1C  is a bottom view of a digital camera; 
           [0015]      FIGS. 2A to 2D  are diagrams illustrating the opening and closing operation of the lid; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3A  is a bottom view of a digital camera (corresponds to  FIG. 2A  when the lid is closed), and  FIG. 3B  is a bottom view of a digital camera corresponds to  FIG. 2D  when the lid is open); 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is an oblique view of a waterproof gasket; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a cross section of a lid and a lid locking mechanism; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6A  is a detail enlargement of  FIG. 5 , and  FIG. 6B  is a detail enlargement of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a VII-VII cross section of  FIG. 3A ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 8A  is a detail enlargement of  FIG. 7 , and  FIG. 8B  is a detail enlargement of  FIG. 7 ; and 
           [0022]      FIG. 9A  is a detail enlargement of the sealing portion and waterproof gasket corresponding to  FIG. 8A  (just before the lid is closed), and  FIG. 9B  is a detail enlargement of the sealing portion and waterproof gasket corresponding to  FIG. 8B  (just before the lid is closed). 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0023]    Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. 
         [0024]    Configuration of Digital Camera 
         [0025]    A digital camera  100  pertaining to a first embodiment will be described through reference to  FIGS. 1A to 4C . To facilitate the description, a three-dimensionally perpendicular coordinate system is set up for the digital camera  100 . The X axis is set parallel to the left and right direction when the digital camera  100  is used. The Y axis is set parallel to the optical axis AX of the digital camera  100 . The Z axis is set parallel to the up and down direction (vertical direction) when the digital camera  100  is used. In the following description, the X axis direction shall be a direction parallel to the X axis, and is an example of a first direction. The Y axis direction shall be a direction parallel to the Y axis. The Z axis direction shall be a direction parallel to the Z axis. The left side facing the subject shall be termed the X axis direction positive side. The subject side in the Y axis direction shall be termed the Y axis direction positive side. The upper side along the Z axis direction shall be termed the Z axis direction positive side. 
         [0026]    The vertically upper side (Z axis direction positive side) in the normal orientation of the digital camera  100  (hereinafter also referred to as the landscape orientation) is also called the top, and the vertically lower side (Z axis direction negative side) the bottom, but these expressions do not serve to limit the usage state of the digital camera  100 . 
         [0027]    As shown in  FIGS. 1A to 1C , the digital camera  100  (an example of an electronic device) comprises an optical system  110 , a strobe  111 , a manipulation unit  130 , a body  120  (an example of a housing), a lid  200  (an example of a lid), a lid locking mechanism  140 , and a waterproof gasket  204  (an example of a waterproof gasket). 
         [0028]    As shown in  FIG. 1B , the optical system  110  is disposed on the front face of the digital camera  100 , and leads light to an imaging element (not shown). The optical system  110  has an optical axis AX. The strobe  111  is provided to the front face of the digital camera  100  to make imaging possible in dark locations. For example, the digital camera  100  employs an auto-focus function that automatically adjusts the focus on a particular subject. An AF auxiliary light generator  112  is provided so that the auto-focus function can operate properly even in dark locations. 
         [0029]    As shown in  FIG. 1A , the manipulation unit  130  has a power button  101 , a mode dial  102 , a liquid crystal monitor  103 , a shutter button  104 , a moving picture button  105 , a reproduction button  106 , a cross key  107 , quick menu button  108 , and a display button  109 . The manipulation unit  130  is provided on the front and rear faces of the body  120 . 
         [0030]    When the power button  101  is pressed, power is supplied to the digital camera  100 . The desired imaging mode can be selected by turning the mode dial  102 . Since the subject is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor  103 , the user can compose a picture while looking at the subject displayed on the liquid crystal monitor  103 . When the shutter button  104  is pressed, a still picture can be captured. When the moving picture button  105  is pressed, a moving picture can be captured. When the reproduction button  106  is pressed, a captured still or moving picture can be reproduced on the liquid crystal monitor  103 . 
         [0031]    When the cross key  107  is pressed, various settings can be made for imaging or reproduction. In addition to showing directions, the various buttons that make up the cross key  107  may also be assigned individual functions. For instance, in addition to showing the upward direction, the up button of the cross key  107  may also be assigned the function of exposure correction. Also, a menu button  107   a  is provided in the center of the cross key  107 . When this menu button  107   a  is pressed, a setting menu screen is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor  103 . 
         [0032]    When the quick menu button  108  is pressed, some of the settings can be easily changed. The quick menu button  108  also functions as a delete button for deleting captured still or moving pictures. 
         [0033]    When the display button  109  is pressed, the information displayed on the liquid crystal monitor  103  is switched. Imaging information, guidelines that assist in composing a picture, and so forth are displayed on the liquid crystal monitor  103 . 
         [0034]    As shown in  FIG. 2D , the body  120  includes the shell or frame of the digital camera  100 , and has a holding unit  320 . A battery  301  and a memory card  302  or other such accessories are removably held in the holding unit  320 . The holding unit  320  has an opening  310  (an example of an opening) for putting in the battery  301  and the memory card  302 . The opening  310  has a substantially rectangular shape that extends in the X axis direction, and is formed in the bottom face of the body  120 . The lid  200  is linked to the body  120  so that the opening  310  can be opened and closed. 
         [0035]    The holding unit  320  has a battery lock  304  so that the battery  301  will not fall out when the lid  200  is opened. When the battery lock  304  is slid upward in  FIG. 3B , the battery  301  is unlocked, allowing the battery  301  to be removed. A recess  204   m  is provided to the waterproof gasket  204  so that the battery lock  304  will not touch the waterproof gasket  204  when the lid  200  is open (see  FIG. 4 ). 
         [0036]    A so-called push-push type of connector is employed for the holding unit  320  in order to attach the memory card  302  to the  100 . Accordingly, to attach or remove the memory card  302 , the memory card  302  must be pushed in by a specific amount inward toward the center in  FIG. 3B . Therefore, the top of the memory card  302  sticks out slightly towards the viewer in  FIG. 3B . A recess  204   d  is provided to the waterproof gasket  204  so that the top of the memory card  302  will not hit the waterproof gasket  204  when the lid  200  is in a closed state (see  FIG. 4 ). 
         [0037]    As shown in  FIG. 3B , the holding unit  320  has a substantially annular sealing portion  300  disposed around the peripheral edge of the opening  310 . The term “substantially annular” here refers to a shape that is formed continuously all the way around, without any gaps. Therefore, “substantially annular” also encompasses a quadrilateral shape such as that of the sealing portion  300 . The waterproof gasket  204  is in contact with the sealing portion  300  when the lid  200  is in the closed state. The sealing portion  300  forms the opening  310 . The sealing portion  300  will be described in detail below. 
         [0038]    As shown in  FIGS. 2D ,  3 A, and  3 B, an attachment screw hole  113  for fixing the digital camera  100  to a tripod or monopod is provided to the bottom face of the body  120 . The lid  200  is mounted to the bottom face of the body  120  to open and close the opening  310 . 
         [0039]    A hinge  203  is provided to the edge of the opening  310 , and the lid  200  is, for example, pivotally coupled by the hinge  203  to the body  120 . The hinge  203  is disposed at the corner on the bottom face side of the digital camera  100 . Since the opening  310  is longer in the X axis direction, the lid  200  also has a substantially rectangular shape that is longer in the X axis direction. In this embodiment, the lid  200  rotates around a rotational axis A, but does not slide in the X axis direction with respect to the body  120 . Also, in this embodiment, no coil spring is provided to the hinge  203 , and the lid  200  does not open automatically. Instead, as shown in  FIGS. 2A to 2D , the lid  200  is easy to open by hard since part of the lid shell  200   a  can be seen from the front face of the digital camera  100 . 
         [0040]    However, a coil spring may be provided to the hinge  203  so that the lid  200  will open automatically. In this case, when a first lock lever  201  is slid in a C direction, the locking provided by a lock pawl  201   a  and a protrusion  303  is released, and the lid  200  opens automatically under the elastic force of the coil spring. 
         [0041]    When the lid  200  is opened, the battery  301  and the memory card  302  held in the holding unit  320  can be seen. The battery  301  and the memory card  302  can be installed in or removed from the holding unit  320  as needed. 
         [0042]    The lid  200  has a plastic lid shell  200   a  and a metal reinforcing plate  200   b  that reinforces the lid shell  200   a . The lid shell  200   a  constitutes the shell of the digital camera  100  along with the body  120 . The reinforcing plate  200   b  is mounted to the rear side of the lid shell  200   a , and is disposed between the lid shell  200   a  and the waterproof gasket  204 . The lid locking mechanism  140  is provided to the lid  200  to lock the lid  200  in the closed state. 
         [0043]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , the lid locking mechanism  140  has the first lock lever  201 , a leaf spring  205 , and a second lock lever  202 . 
         [0044]    The first lock lever  201  is provided to lock the lid  200  in a closed state, and is supported by the lid  200  movably in the X axis direction. The first lock lever  201  so as to be able to come into contact with the leaf spring  205 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the first lock lever  201  has the lock pawl  201   a . The body  120  has the protrusion  303 , which is provided so as to be able to come into contact with the lock pawl  201   a . When the first lock lever  201  is disposed in a closed position, the lock pawl  201   a  hooks onto the hinge  203 . When the first lock lever  201  is disposed in an open position, the lock pawl  201   a  does not hook onto the hinge  203 . 
         [0045]    The leaf spring  205  is provided to restrict the first lock lever  201  from moving to the open position, and is mounted to the lid  200  so as to be capable of elastic deformation in the Z axis direction. The leaf spring  205  extends in a slender shape in the X axis direction, and is disposed along the rear face of the lid  200 . The direction in which the leaf spring  205  extends coincides with the lengthwise direction of the digital camera  100 . The leaf spring  205  is made of metal, for example. 
         [0046]    The leaf spring  205  is disposed movably between a restricting position at which movement of the first lock lever  201  to the open position is restricted, and a retracted position at which movement of the first lock lever  201  to the open position is permitted. Switching the leaf spring  205  between the restricting position and the retracted position is performed by the second lock lever  202 . 
         [0047]    The leaf spring  205  has a convex portion  205   a . The convex portion  205   a  protrudes to the second lock lever  202  side, and is formed by bending the leaf spring  205 . When the leaf spring  205  is guided by the second lock lever  202 , the convex portion  205   a  slides with a guide portion  202   c  of the second lock lever  202 . The convex portion  205   a  restricts the movement of the second lock lever  202  in the X axis direction. 
         [0048]    The second lock lever  202  is provided to lock the first lock lever  201  in the closed position, and is supported by the lid  200  movably in the X axis direction. The second lock lever  202  is disposed so that the position of the leaf spring  205  can be switched between the restricting position and the retracted position. 
         [0049]    The second lock lever  202  has the guide portion  202   c . The guide portion  202   c  protrudes from the lever main body  202   b  toward the leaf spring  205 , and is provided slidably with the leaf spring  205 . The guide portion  202   c  guides the leaf spring  205  between the restricting position and the retracted position. More specifically, the guide portion  202   c  has a concave part  202   a . When the second lock lever  202  is disposed at the locked position, the convex part  205   a  of the leaf spring  205  is fitted into the concave part  202   a , and the leaf spring  205  is held at the restricting position. Since the convex part  205   a  is fitted into the concave part  202   a , movement of the second lock lever  202  in the X axis direction is restricted by the convex part  205   a . When the second lock lever  202  moves from the locked position to the unlocked position, the leaf spring  205  is guided from the restricting position P 21  to the retracted position. 
         [0050]    Configuration of Waterproof Gasket and Holding Component 
         [0051]    As shown in  FIG. 2D , the waterproof gasket  204  is provided to the rear face of the lid  200  to prevent liquids or dust from getting into the holding unit  320  through a gap formed between the lid  200  and the body  120 . The sealing portion  300  and the waterproof gasket  204  will now be described in detail through reference to  FIGS. 4 to 9B . 
         [0052]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , the waterproof gasket  204  has a core  204   f  and a gasket body  204   k . The core  204   f  is made of metal, and is fixed by a screw to the lid  200 . Since the core  204   f  is made of metal, it can maintain the shape of the waterproof gasket  204  to a certain extent. Also, since the metal core  204   f  is fixed to the lid  200 , the attachment strength of the waterproof gasket  204  can be increased. The core  204   f  is sealed inside the gasket body  204   k.    
         [0053]    The gasket body  204   k  is made of silicone rubber, and is entirely formed as a single piece. In addition to silicone rubber, examples of the material of the gasket body  204   k  include urethane rubber, nitrile rubber, and fluororubber. 
         [0054]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , the gasket body  204   k  has a base portion  204   c , a first contact portion  204   a , and a second contact portion  204   b . The base portion  204   c  covers the core  204   f , and is mounted to the lid  200  via the core  204   f.    
         [0055]    As shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , the first contact portion  204   a  is a substantially annular portion provided so as to be able to come into contact with the sealing portion  300 , and protrudes from the base portion  204   c . The first contact portion  204   a  protrudes outward from the base portion  204   c . More precisely, the first contact portion  204   a  protrudes outward from the base portion  204   c , and the direction in which the first contact portion  204   a  protrudes is substantially parallel to the main face  200   c  of the lid  200 . 
         [0056]    As shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , the second contact portion  204   b  is a substantially annular portion provided so as to be able to come into contact with the sealing portion  300 , and protrudes from the base portion  204   c . The direction in which the second contact portion  204   b  protrudes is different from the direction in which the first contact portion  204   a  protrudes. In this embodiment, the second contact portion  204   b  protrudes from the base portion  204   c  to the opposite side from the lid  200 , and the direction in which the second contact portion  204   b  protrudes is inclined with respect to the main face  200   c  of the lid  200 . 
         [0057]    The sealing portion  300  of the body  120  is a substantially annular portion that forms the opening  310 , and is disposed at a position where it can come into snug contact with the waterproof gasket  204 . The sealing portion  300  is formed so as to surround the opening  310 . The first contact portion  204   a  and second contact portion  204   b  of the waterproof gasket  204  are able to come into snug contact all the way around the periphery of the sealing portion  300 . More specifically, the body  120  has a substantially annular first sealing face  300   a  and a substantially annular second sealing face  300   b.    
         [0058]    The first sealing face  300   a  is provided so as to be able to come into contact with the first contact portion  204   a  of the waterproof gasket  204 . The first sealing face  300   a  is inclined with respect to the second sealing face  300   b . More specifically, the first sealing face  300   a  is inclined so as to be closer to the second sealing face  300   b  as it approaches the opening  310 . To put this another way, the first sealing face  300   a  is inclined with respect to the direction (D direction) in which the battery  301  and the memory card  302  are inserted. In this embodiment, the D direction is parallel to the Z axis direction. The first sealing face  300   a  is inclined so that the inside size of the sealing portion  300  gradually decreases toward the opening  310 . Since the first sealing face  300   a  is inclined in this way, it is easier for the first contact portion  204   a  to come into snug contact with the first sealing face  300   a  in closing the lid  200 . The first sealing face  300   a  may be parallel to the D direction. 
         [0059]    The second sealing face  300   b  is provided so as to be able to come into contact with the second contact portion  204   b  of the waterproof gasket  204 . The second sealing face  300   b  is disposed closer to the opening  310  than the first sealing face  300   a . The second sealing face  300   b  is disposed substantially parallel to the main face  200   c  of the lid  200  when the lid  200  is in the closed state. Also, the second sealing face  300   b  is disposed substantially perpendicular to the D direction. Because the second sealing face  300   b  is substantially perpendicular to the D direction, the second sealing face  300   b  bears the pressing force when the lid  200  is closed. Therefore, the lid  200  can be prevented from being pressed in too far when the lid  200  is being closed. 
         [0060]    Using the lid  200  as a reference, when the lid  200  is in the closed state, the inclination angle of the first sealing face  300   a  with respect to the main face  200   c  of the lid  200  is different from the inclination angle of the second sealing face  300   b  with respect to the main face  200   c  of the lid  200 . 
         [0061]    The state of the waterproof gasket  204  and the sealing portion  300  when the lid  200  is closed will now be described. 
         [0062]    As shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , when the lid  200  is in the closed state, the first contact portion  204   a  is in snug contact with the first sealing face  300   a  of the sealing portion  300 . Since the first sealing face  300   a  is inclined, in a state in which the first contact portion  204   a  is pressed against the first sealing face  300   a , the first contact portion  204   a  is elastically deformed so as to move away from the opening  310 . In other words, in a state in which the first contact portion  204   a  is pressed against the first sealing face  300   a , the first contact portion  204   a  is elastically deformed so as to move away from the second contact portion  204   b.    
         [0063]    As shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , when the lid  200  is in the closed state, the second contact portion  204   b  is in snug contact with the second sealing face  300   b  of the sealing portion  300 . The second contact portion  204   b  is disposed closer to the opening  310  than the first contact portion  204   a  when the lid  200  is in the closed state. In a state in which the second contact portion  204   b  is pressed against the second sealing face  300   b , the second contact portion  204   b  is elastically deformed so as to move away from the opening  310 . In other words, in a state in which the first contact portion  204   a  is pressed against the first sealing face  300   a , the first contact portion  204   a  is elastically deformed so as to move closer to the first contact portion  204   a . In a state in which the first contact portion  204   a  is in contact with the first sealing face  300   a , and the second contact portion  204   b  is in contact with the second sealing face  300   b , a space S is formed between the first contact portion  204   a  and the second contact portion  204   b . Consequently, the first contact portion  204   a  and the second contact portion  204   b  do not interfere with each other during elastic deformation. Since the second contact portion  204   b  is pressed against the second sealing face  300   b , the second contact portion  204   b  also serves as a cushion. Accordingly, the lid  200 , the lid locking mechanism  140 , and other such constituent members are less likely to be subjected to unnecessary stress. 
         [0064]    Furthermore, a substantially annular receiver  300   c  is provided to the edge of the opening  310 . The receiver  300   c  protrudes from the second sealing face  300   b . Providing the receiver  300   c  allows the second contact portion  204   b  to be securely and snugly brought into contact with the second sealing face  300   b . Also, a substantially annular inclined face  300   f  that is adjacent to and touches the first sealing face  300   a  is formed at the outer peripheral part of the receiver  300   c . The inclined face  300   f  is inclined toward the second sealing face  300   b . Because of the inclined face  300   f , the second contact portion  204   b  is guided to the second sealing face  300   b  side in closing the lid  200 , and the second contact portion  204   b  more readily undergoes elastic deformation so as to move away from the opening  310 . 
         [0065]    Furthermore, a sealing groove  300   g  (an example of a concave portion) is formed by the first sealing face  300   a , the second sealing face  300   b , and the receiver  300   c . The sealing groove  300   g  is disposed so as to surround the opening  310 . When the lid  200  is in the closed state, the first contact portion  204   a  and the second contact portion  204   b  are accommodated in the sealing groove  300   g . This sealing groove  300   g  makes it less likely that water will run into the holding unit  320  when the lid  200  has been opened. 
         [0066]    Also, a protrusion  204   e  is provided to the waterproof gasket  204 . When the lid  200  is in the closed state, the protrusion  204   e  pushes on a lid detection switch  305  provided inside the holding unit  320 . Consequently, the power is prevented from being switched on if the lid  200  has not be properly closed, or access to the memory card  302  is halted and preparation for shutting off the power is begun if the lid  200  has been opened. 
         [0067]    Furthermore, an attachment hole  204   h  is provided to the waterproof gasket  204  in order to attach a hinge  207  to the lid  200 . An annular protrusion  204   g  that protrudes from the base portion  204   c  to the lid  200  side is formed at the peripheral part of the attachment hole  204   h . When the waterproof gasket  204  is mounted to the lid  200  with the hinge  207 , the annular protrusion  204   g  is pressed against the lid  200 . Accordingly, attachment strength can be increased in attaching the waterproof gasket  204  to the lid  200 . 
         [0068]    Opening and Closing the Lid 
         [0069]    Next, the operation in opening the lid  200  will be described.  FIGS. 2A to 2D  show the operation of the lid  200  from the closed state to an open state in time series. In  FIGS. 2A to 2D , the digital camera  100  is upside-down. 
         [0070]    In the state shown in  FIG. 2A , the lock pawl  201   a  of the first lock lever  201  is hooked on the protrusion  303  (see  FIG. 5 ). Also, the distal end of the leaf spring  205  is held by the second lock lever  202  in the restricting position, in which it is in contact with the first lock lever  201  (see  FIG. 5 ). In this state, the first lock lever  201  can not move in the C direction. Therefore, the lid  200  does not readily come open. When the second lock lever  202  is slid in the C direction in the state shown in  FIG. 2A , the lid locking mechanism  140  is in the state shown in  FIG. 2B . 
         [0071]    In the state shown in  FIG. 2B , the distal end of the leaf spring  205  is disposed at the retracted position at which it is pushed by the second lock lever  202  to the Z axis direction positive side and does not hit the first lock lever  201 , so the first lock lever  201  can be slid in the C direction. In the state shown in  FIG. 2B , since the first lock lever  201  has not yet been slid in the C direction, the lock pawl  201   a  of the first lock lever  201  is hooked to the protrusion  303 . Therefore, the lid  200  does not open. When the first lock lever  201  is slid in the C direction in the state shown in  FIG. 2B , the lid locking mechanism  140  is in the state shown in  FIG. 2C . 
         [0072]    In the state shown in  FIG. 2C , since the lock pawl  201   a  of the first lock lever  201  is not hooked to the protrusion  303 , the lid  200  can be opened as shown in  FIG. 2D . 
         [0073]    As shown in  FIG. 2D , in a state in which the lid  200  is open, the holding unit  320  is exposed. The battery  301  and the memory card  302  are held in the holding unit  320 . The battery  301  and the memory card  302  can be installed or removed by opening the lid  200 . 
         [0074]    The operation for closing the lid  200  is the reverse of the operation for opening the lid  200 . As shown in  FIGS. 6A ,  6 B,  8 A, and  8 B, when the lid  200  is closed, the waterproof gasket  204  is pressed against the sealing portion  300 . More specifically, the second contact portion  204   b  is pressed against the first sealing face  300   a , and the second contact portion  204   b  is pressed against the second sealing face  300   b . When the lid  200  is locked in the closed state by the lid locking mechanism  140 , the waterproof gasket  204  is in the state shown in  FIGS. 6A ,  6 B,  8 A, and  8 B, and the waterproof gasket  204  and the lid  200  put the holding unit  320  in a sealed state. 
         [0075]    Features 
         [0076]    The features of the digital camera  100  described above are compiled below. 
         [0077]    (1) With the digital camera  100 , since the waterproof gasket  204  has the first contact portion  204   a  and the second contact portion  204   b , even if foreign matter should get stuck between the sealing portion  300  and the first contact portion  204   a  and create a gap, the sealing portion  300  and the second contact portion  204   b  can still prevent water from invading the holding unit  320 . Also, even if foreign matter should get stuck between the sealing portion  300  and the second contact portion  204   b  and create a gap, the sealing portion  300  and the first contact portion  204   a  can still prevent water from invading the holding unit  320 . 
         [0078]    Thus, with the above constitution, sealing performance can be improved with a simple configuration. 
         [0079]    (2) Since the first sealing face  300   a  is inclined so that it moves closer to the second sealing face  300   b  as it approaches the opening  310 , when the lid  200  is closed the first contact portion  204   a  gradually is pressed against the first sealing face  300   a . Therefore, it is easier to obtain a tighter fit between the first contact portion  204   a  and the first sealing face  300   a.    
         [0080]    (3) In a state in which the first contact portion  204   a  is pressed against the first sealing face  300   a , the first contact portion  204   a  is elastically deformed so as to move away from the opening  310 , so the first contact portion  204   a  undergoes elastic deformation toward the outside of the sealed region. Accordingly, the first contact portion  204   a  is pressed against the first sealing face  300   a  by external pressure, and the sealing with the first contact portion  204   a  is enhanced. 
         [0081]    Also, in a state in which the first contact portion  204   a  is pressed against the first sealing face  300   a , the first contact portion  204   a  is elastically deformed so as to move away from the second contact portion  204   b , so the first contact portion  204   a  and the second contact portion  204   b  do not interfere with each other, and the elastic deformation of the first contact portion  204   a  and the second contact portion  204   b  is not hindered. Specifically, sealing performance of both the first contact portion  204   a  and the second contact portion  204   b  can be ensured. 
         [0082]    (4) In a state in which the second contact portion  204   b  is pressed against the second sealing face  300   b , the second contact portion  204   b  is elastically deformed so as to move away from the opening  310 , so the second contact portion  204   b  undergoes elastic deformation toward the outside of the sealed region. Accordingly, the second contact portion  204   b  is pressed against the second sealing face  300   b  by external pressure, and the sealing with the second contact portion  204   b  is enhanced. 
         [0083]    (5) In a state in which the first contact portion  204   a  is in contact with the first sealing face  300   a , and the second contact portion  204   b  is in contact with the second sealing face  300   b , a space S is formed between the first contact portion  204   a  and the second contact portion  204   b . Therefore, the first contact portion  204   a  and the second contact portion  204   b  do not interfere with each other, and the elastic deformation of the first contact portion  204   a  and the second contact portion  204   b  is not hindered. Specifically, sealing performance of both the first contact portion  204   a  and the second contact portion  204   b  can be ensured. 
         [0084]    Also, any foreign matter that has passed between the first contact portion  204   a  and the first sealing face  300   a  can be kept in the space S, so there can be anticipated an additional effect whereby this foreign matter is less likely to become trapped between the second contact portion  204   b  and the second sealing face  300   b.    
       Other Embodiments 
       [0085]    The present invention is not limited to the embodiments given above, and various changes and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. 
         [0086]    In the following description, those components having substantially the same function as in the above embodiments will be numbered the same, and will not be described again in detail. 
         [0087]    (1) In the above embodiments, a lid sealing structure was described using the digital camera  100  as an example, but the lid sealing structure described above can also be applied to other devices, and not just to electronic devices such as the digital camera  100 . For instance, the lid sealing structure described above can be used in a waterproof case that houses an electronic device (such as a marine case for a digital camera). 
         [0088]    Also, the housing was described using the body  120  as an example in the above embodiments, but the constitution of the housing is not limited to that of the body  120 . For instance, the housing need not have the holding unit  320 , and may just have the sealing portion sealing portion  300  that forms the opening  310 , for example. 
         [0089]    (2) In the above embodiments, a waterproof gasket was described using the waterproof gasket  204  as an example, but the constitution of the waterproof gasket is not limited to that of the waterproof gasket  204 . For instance, the waterproof gasket  204  may have other contact portions besides the first contact portion  204   a  and the second contact portion  204   b.    
         [0090]    Also, in the above embodiments, the first contact portion  204   a  protrudes outward from the base portion  204   c , but the direction in which the first contact portion protrudes is not limited to the above-mentioned direction. Similarly, the direction in which the second contact portion  204   b  protrudes from the base portion  204   c  is not limited to the above-mentioned direction. Furthermore, the direction in which the second contact portion  204   b  protrudes is different from the direction in which the first contact portion  204   a  protrudes, but the directions in which the first contact portion  204   a  and second contact portion  204   b  protrude may instead be the same. 
         [0091]    Further, the layouts of the first contact portion  204   a  and the second contact portion  204   b  may be switched around with each other. 
         [0092]    (3) In the above embodiments, the sealing portion was described using the sealing portion  300  as an example, but the constitution of the sealing portion is not limited to that of the sealing portion  300 . For instance, the sealing portion  300  has the first sealing face  300   a  and the second sealing face  300   b , but it is also conceivable that the sealing portion  300  will have only the first sealing face  300   a . In this case, the first contact portion  204   a  and second contact portion  204   b  may be disposed so as to be in snug contact with the first sealing face  300   a.    
         [0093]    It is also conceivable that the sealing portion  300  will have only the second sealing face  300   b . In this case, the first contact portion  204   a  and second contact portion  204   b  may be disposed so as to be in snug contact with the second sealing face  300   b.    
         [0094]    (4) In the above embodiments, the second sealing face  300   b  is disposed closer to the opening  310  than the first sealing face  300   a , but the second sealing face  300   b  may be disposed at a position that is farther from the opening  310  than the first sealing face  300   a . That is, the layouts of the first sealing face  300   a  and the second sealing face  300   b  may be switched around. 
         [0095]    Also, the first sealing face  300   a  is inclined with respect to the second sealing face  300   b , but the first sealing face  300   a  may be disposed parallel to the second sealing face  300   b , without being inclined with respect to the second sealing face  300   b . Also, the first sealing face  300   a  is inclined with respect to the D direction, but the first sealing face  300   a  may be disposed parallel to the D direction (that is, perpendicular to the second sealing face  300   b ). Furthermore, the first sealing face  300   a  is inclined toward the opening  310 , but the first sealing face  300   a  may be inclined in a different direction from that in the above constitution. 
         [0096]    (5) In the above embodiments, the sealing groove  300   g  is formed by the first sealing face  300   a  and the second sealing face  300   b , but the sealing portion  300  need not have a concave portion such as the sealing groove  300   g . Also, the constitution of the concave portion is not limited to that of the sealing groove  300   g.    
       GENERAL INTERPRETATION OF TERMS 
       [0097]    In understanding the scope of the present disclosure, the term “comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, “including”, “having” and their derivatives. Also, the terms “part,” “section,” “portion,” “member” or “element” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts. Also as used herein to describe the above embodiment(s), the following directional terms “forward”, “rearward”, “above”, “downward”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “below” and “transverse” as well as any other similar directional terms refer to those directions of an electronic device. Accordingly, these terms, as utilized to describe the present invention should be interpreted relative to an electronic device. 
         [0098]    The term “configured” as used herein to describe a component, section, or part of a device implies the existence of other unclaimed or unmentioned components, sections, members or parts of the device to carry out a desired function. 
         [0099]    The terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. 
         [0100]    While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, the size, shape, location or orientation of the various components can be changed as needed and/or desired. Components that are shown directly connected or contacting each other can have intermediate structures disposed between them. The functions of one element can be performed by two, and vice versa. The structures and functions of one embodiment can be adopted in another embodiment. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in a particular embodiment at the same time. Every feature which is unique from the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, also should be considered a separate description of further inventions by the applicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodied by such feature(s). Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.