Patent Publication Number: US-9837742-B2

Title: Pin structure and connector including pin structure

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2015-0026803 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Feb. 25, 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field 
     The described technology relates generally to a pin structure, and more particularly, to a pin structure, and a connector including the pin structure. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Flat panel display devices are generally light in weight, thin, and operated with less electric power consumption than display devices that use a traditional cathode ray tube (CRT). As a result, flat panel display devices have become widely popular. 
     Typically, the flat panel display device is classified into a light-emitting type flat panel display device, and a light-receiving type (non-light-emitting type) flat panel display device. Light-emitting type display devices include, for example, an organic light emitting display device (OLED), a plasma display panel (PDP), a flat cathode ray tube (FCRT), a vacuum fluorescent display (VFD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, or a field emission display (FED). Light-receiving type display devices include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel or the like. 
     Recently, researches and developments are being conducted on a flexible display device, as a next generation display device, that is portable and can be applied to devices having various shapes. 
     In the flexible display device, a support apparatus may be used so that a user can conveniently see an image while the flexible display device is unfolded or curved, or so that the user can conveniently carry the flexible display device. 
     The liquid crystal display (LCD) device displays motion pictures by using a thin film transistor as a switching element, and is applied to portable information devices, office devices, computers, televisions, and the like. 
     Because the liquid crystal display device is not a self-luminous device, a backlight unit is provided at a lower side of a liquid crystal display panel, and the liquid crystal display device displays images by using light emitted from the backlight unit. 
     The backlight unit may be classified as an edge type backlight unit and a direct type backlight unit based on how its light source is arranged. 
     In the case of the edge type backlight unit, a light source is disposed at a lateral side of a light guide plate provided at the lower side of the liquid crystal display panel. Light emitted from the light source through the light guide plate is converted into flat light for illuminating the liquid crystal display panel (not illustrated). The edge type backlight unit generally has a reduced thickness, thereby allowing the liquid crystal display device to be made slim. 
     As the light source of the aforementioned edge type backlight unit, an external electrode fluorescent lamp (EEFL), a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL), a light emitting diode (LED), and the like may be used, and particularly, in the case of a small liquid crystal display device, the light emitting diode (LED) is widely used. 
     As an example, the light emitting diode (LED) and a connector is mounted on a light emitting diode (LED) printed circuit board (PCB) (or an LED PCB) on which various types of circuits are formed, and the circuits of the LED PCB and external devices are connected to each other by cables. 
     Recently, a flexible cable, such as a flexible printed circuit (FPC) and a flexible flat cable (FFC), is used to connect to the connector instead of a wire. 
     The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the described technology and therefore may contain information that does not form the prior art that is already known in this country to a person of ordinary skill in the art. 
     SUMMARY 
     The described technology has been made in an effort to provide a pin structure that may be used for a variable electronic product, may be deformed in shape, or may be changed in position, and a connector including the pin structure. 
     An exemplary embodiment provides a pin structure that is connected to a printed circuit board (PCB), the pin structure including: a circuit connection portion connected to a circuit component; a variable portion connected to the circuit connection portion and configured to deform in shape when the PCB is bent; and a PCB connection portion connected to the variable portion and connected to the PCB. 
     The circuit connection portion may further include a locking unit that prevents the circuit connection portion from being deformed in length when the PCB is bent. 
     When the circuit connection portion has a rod shape, the locking unit may be a rod portion that is formed at a lower side of the circuit connection portion and has a cross section that has a circumferential length shorter than a circumferential length of a cross section of an upper portion of the circuit connection portion. 
     The variable portion may have a rod structure that is configured to deform in shape. When the pin structure has a horizontal pin structure, the variable portion may have a zigzag shape or a spring shape. When the pin structure has a vertical pin structure, the variable portion may have a serrated shape, an antenna shape, or a spring shape. 
     Another exemplary embodiment provides a connector that is connected to a printed circuit board (PCB), the connector including: a connector body; at least one pin inserted into a through hole formed at a lower side of the connector body; and a space providing portion formed between the connector body and the PCB, in which the pin includes: a circuit connection portion inserted into the through hole and connected to a circuit component; a variable portion connected to the circuit connection portion and configured to deform in shape when the PCB is bent; and a PCB connection portion connected to the variable portion and connected to the PCB, and the space providing portion provides a space in which the variable portion is disposed. 
     When the circuit connection portion further includes a locking unit that prevents the circuit connection portion from being deformed in length when the PCB is bent, the locking unit may be inserted into the through hole. 
     The variable portion may have a rod structure that is configured to deform in shape. The variable portion may have a serrated shape, an antenna shape, or a spring shape. 
     Another exemplary embodiment provides a connector that is connected to a printed circuit board (PCB), the connector including: a connector body; and at least one pin inserted into a through hole formed at a side of the connector body, in which the pin includes: a circuit connection portion inserted into the through hole and connected to a circuit component; a variable portion connected to the circuit connection portion and configured to deform in shape when the PCB is bent; and a PCB connection portion connected to the variable portion and connected to the PCB. 
     When the circuit connection portion further includes a locking unit that prevents the circuit connection portion from being deformed in length when the PCB is bent, the locking unit may be inserted into the through hole. 
     The variable portion may have a rod structure that is configured to deform in shape. The variable portion may have a zigzag shape or a spring shape. 
     Another exemplary embodiment provides a connector that is connected to a printed circuit board (PCB), the connector including: a connector body; a pin inserted into any one of at least two insertion holes formed at a side of the connector body; and a connecting hole that is configured to allow the pin to move between the at least two insertion holes when the PCB is bent, and connects the insertion holes. 
     The pin may include: a circuit connection portion is inserted into any one of the insertion holes and connected to a circuit component; a variable portion connected to the circuit connection portion and configured to deform in shape when the PCB is bent; and a PCB connection portion connected to the variable portion and connected to the PCB. 
     The variable portion may have a rod structure that is configured to deform in shape. 
     According to the aforementioned exemplary embodiment, the pin structure and the connector including the pin structure prevent solder cracks when the PCB is bent in electronic products such as a curved display device or a bendable display device, thereby improving reliability of the electronic products. 
     In addition, the pin structure and the connector including the pin structure according to the present system and method maintain the arrangement of the pins when the PCB is bent in a curved display device or a bendable display device, thereby improving contact reliability of the connector. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A brief description of the drawings is provided to more sufficiently understand the drawings used for the detailed description of the present system and method. 
         FIG. 1  is a view (longitudinal cross-sectional view) explaining an example of a connector having a vertical pin structure. 
         FIG. 2  is a view (perspective view) explaining an example of a connector having a horizontal pin structure. 
         FIG. 3  is a view (perspective view) illustrating an electronic circuit component including the connector illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a view (perspective view) illustrating a state in which the electronic circuit component including the connector illustrated in  FIG. 3  is bent. 
         FIG. 5  is a view explaining an arrangement of pins included in the connector in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a view (longitudinal cross-sectional view) illustrating another example of the electronic circuit component including the connector. 
         FIG. 7  is a view (perspective view) illustrating the pin structure illustrated in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is a view (perspective view) illustrating the vertical pin structure used for the connector illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 9  is a view (longitudinal cross-sectional view) explaining a connector including a pin structure according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  is a view (perspective view) explaining the exemplary embodiment of the pin structure illustrated in  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  is a view (perspective view) explaining a vertical pin structure included in the connector according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  is a view (longitudinal cross-sectional view) illustrating a connector having a horizontal pin structure. 
         FIG. 13  is a view (longitudinal cross-sectional view) illustrating a connector having a vertical pin structure. 
         FIG. 14  is a view (longitudinal cross-sectional view) explaining a connector including a horizontal pin structure according to another exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 15  is a view (longitudinal cross-sectional view) explaining a connector including a vertical pin structure according to another exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 16  is a view (longitudinal cross-sectional view) illustrating a state in which an electronic device illustrated in  FIG. 14  is bent. 
         FIG. 17  is a view (longitudinal cross-sectional view) illustrating a state in which an electronic device illustrated in  FIG. 15  is bent. 
         FIG. 18  is a view (longitudinal cross-sectional view) explaining a connector including the vertical pin structure according to another exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 19  is a view (longitudinal cross-sectional view) explaining a connector including the horizontal pin structure according to another exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 20  is a view (perspective view) explaining a connector including the horizontal pin structure according to another exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     References are made to the accompanying drawings for illustrating the exemplary embodiments and contents disclosed herein. 
     Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the present system and method, the specific descriptions of publicly known related configurations or functions thereof are omitted when it is determined that the specific descriptions unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present system and method. Like reference numerals may refer to the same or corresponding constituent elements illustrated in the respective drawings. 
     Terms used in the present specification are used only to describe specific exemplary embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present system and method. Singular expressions used herein include plurals expressions unless they have definitely opposite meanings in the context. In the present specification, terms “including” and “having” are intended to designate the existence of characteristics, numbers, steps, operations, constituent elements, and components described in the specification or a combination thereof, and do not exclude a possibility of the existence or addition of one or more other characteristics, numbers, steps, operations, constituent elements, and components, or a combination thereof in advance. 
     Throughout this specification and the claims, when a constituent element is referred to as being “directly connected to” another constituent element, the constituent element may be directly connected to the other constituent element or “electrically or mechanically connected to” the other constituent element with other constituent elements therebetween. 
     All terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meanings as meanings that are generally understood by those skilled in the technical field to which the present system and method pertain unless they are differently defined. Terms, including those defined in a generally used dictionary, shall be construed to have meanings matching those in the context of a related art, and shall not be construed in ideal or excessively formal meanings unless they are clearly defined in the present specification. 
     Recently, electronic products such as a curved display device or a flexible display device are commercialized. Most of the electronic circuit components included in the electronic products are designed to be flat. 
       FIG. 1  is a view (longitudinal cross-sectional view) explaining an example of a connector having a vertical pin structure. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , an electronic circuit component includes a circuit component that has a flat structure and is inserted into a connector  10 , and a PCB  12  that is connected with the circuit component through a vertical pin structure of the connector  10 . 
     For example, to make a shape of a curved display device, force is applied to both sides of the PCB  12  to which the connector  10  having the vertical pin structure is attached. As a result, the PCB  12  is bent, stress is applied to the solder that connects the pins and the PCB  12 , and solder cracks  14  occur in the solder. 
       FIG. 2  is a view (perspective view) explaining an example of a connector having a horizontal pin structure. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , an electronic circuit component includes a circuit component that has a flat structure and is inserted into a connector  20 , and a PCB  22  that is connected with the circuit component through a horizontal pin structure of the connector  20 . 
     For example, to make a shape of a curved display device, force is applied to both sides of the PCB  22  to which the connector  20  having the horizontal pin structure is attached. As a result, the PCB  22  is bent, stress is applied to the solder that connects the pins and the PCB  22 , and solder cracks  24  occur in the solder. 
       FIG. 3  is a view (perspective view) illustrating an electronic circuit component including the connector illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , in a flat electronic circuit component, pins of the connector  10  disposed on the PCB  12  are disposed in a line. 
       FIG. 4  is a view (perspective view) illustrating a state in which the electronic circuit component including the connector illustrated in  FIG. 3  is bent.  FIG. 5  is a view explaining an arrangement of pins included in the connector in  FIG. 4 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , in a case in which the PCB  12  of the electronic circuit component illustrated in  FIG. 3  is bent to form a curved electronic circuit component, the connector  10  is also bent. As a result, the ends of the pins  16  are shifted and no longer aligned coplanar to each other, which may cause a contact defect of the connector  10 . 
     In more detail, as illustrated in  FIG. 1, 2 , or  4 , in a case in which the flat circuit component is bent, reliability of the circuit component deteriorates due to the presence of the solder cracks. In addition, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the arrangement of the contact pins of the connector  10  is deformed, which may cause a contact defect of the connector  10 . That is, in a case in which the PCB  12  is bent, the upper ends of the pins  16  disposed at an edge portion of the connector  10  and connected to the circuit component are not aligned evenly with each other, and the reach of some of the pins be shorter than that of other pins. As a result, contact reliability of the connector  10  may deteriorate. 
     The aforementioned problem may be present not only at the connector, but also at the electronic circuit component having a large size. 
       FIG. 6  is a view (longitudinal cross-sectional view) illustrating another example of the electronic circuit component including the connector.  FIG. 6  may correspond to the electronic circuit component including the connector illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the electronic circuit component has a circuit component  60  mounted on a PCB  68 . The circuit component  60  is inserted into a horizontal pin structure  64  attached to a main body  62  of the connector, and connected to the PCB  68 . The horizontal pin structure  64  connects the circuit component  60  and the PCB  68  by solder  66 . A shape of the horizontal pin structure  64  is illustrated in  FIG. 7 . The shape of the horizontal pin structure  64  is not deformed when the PCB  68  is bent. 
       FIG. 8  is a view (perspective view) illustrating a shape of a vertical pin  16  used for the connector illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The shape of the vertical pin  16  is not deformed when the PCB  12  is bent. 
       FIG. 9  is a view (longitudinal cross-sectional view or cross-sectional side view) explaining the connector including a pin structure according to an exemplary embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , an electronic device (or electronic component)  100  may include a circuit component  105  mounted on a PCB  120 , a connector  110 , a connection member  115 , such as solder, and the PCB  120 . The connector  110  may include at least one pin structure  200 . The pin structure  200  may be inserted into a through hole formed at a side of the connector  110 . The connector  110  may be applied to (and used for) electronic products such as a curved display device (e.g., a curved liquid crystal display (LCD) device) having a curved or flexible product structure. The pin structure  200  may be connected to a circuit pattern on the PCB (printed circuit board)  120  by the connection member  115 . 
       FIG. 10  is a view (perspective view) explaining the exemplary embodiment of the pin structure illustrated in  FIG. 9 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , the pin structure  200  of the connector  110  may include a circuit connection portion  205 , a variable portion  210 , and a PCB connection portion  215 . 
     The circuit connection portion  205  may be electrically connected to (or inserted into) a connecting terminal (external connecting terminal) of the circuit component  105  such as an electronic circuit component. The variable portion  210  may be connected to the circuit connection portion  205 , and a shape (or form) of the variable portion  210  may be deformed, unlike the horizontal pin  64  in  FIG. 7 , when the PCB  120  is bent. The PCB connection portion  215  may be connected to the variable portion  210 , and connected to the PCB  120 . The variable portion  210  may have a rod structure that is relatively extendable in length, or a rod structure that includes a material that is extendable in length, so that the shape of the variable portion  210  may be deformed when the PCB  120  is bent. In more detail, the variable portion  210  may have a rod structure that deforms in shape while a length (or shape) of the rod structure contracts or expands. 
     The shape of the pin structure  200  may be formed by a mold. The pin structure  200  may be made of various types of metal having conductivity. For example, the metal may be copper, silver, or aluminum. 
     In a case in which the connector  110  is a horizontal connector (or the pin structure  200  has a horizontal pin structure), the variable portion  210  may have a rod structure with a zigzag shape (a bent “Z” shape or the number “2” shape) when viewed in a front direction, as illustrated in  FIG. 10 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the circuit connection portion  205  and the PCB connection portion  215  may also have a rod structure. 
       FIG. 11  is a view (perspective view) explaining a vertical pin structure included in the connector according to an exemplary embodiment. A vertical pin structure  300  may be used for (or included in) a connector  515  illustrated in  FIG. 15 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11 and 15 , the pin structure  300  of the connector  515  may include a circuit connection portion  305 , a variable portion  310 , and a PCB connection portion  315 . 
     The circuit connection portion  305  may be electrically connected to (or inserted into) a connecting terminal of a circuit component  510  ( FIG. 15 ) such as an electronic circuit component. The variable portion  310  may be connected to the circuit connection portion  305 , and a shape (or form) of the variable portion  310  may be deformed, unlike the vertical pin  16  in  FIG. 8 , when a PCB  525  ( FIG. 15 ) is bent. The PCB connection portion  315  may be connected to the variable portion  310 , and connected to the PCB  525 . The variable portion  310  may have a rod structure that is relatively extendable in length, or a rod structure that includes a material that is extendable in length, so that the shape of the variable portion  310  may be deformed when the PCB  525  is bent. In more detail, the variable portion  310  may have a rod structure that is deformed in shape while a length (or shape) of the rod structure contracts or expands. As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the circuit connection portion  305  and the PCB connection portion  315  may also have a rod structure. 
     The shape of the pin structure  300  may be formed by a mold. The pin structure  300  may be made of various types of metal having conductivity. For example, the metal may be copper, silver, or aluminum. 
     In a case in which the connector  515  is a vertical connector (or the pin structure  300  has a vertical pin structure), the variable portion  310  may have a rod structure with a serrated shape (or serrated form), as illustrated in  FIG. 11 . 
       FIG. 12  is a view (longitudinal cross-sectional view) illustrating a connector having a horizontal pin structure. 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , the electronic circuit component has a circuit component  70  mounted on a PCB  77 . The circuit component  70  is inserted into horizontal pin structures  73  and  74  that are attached to main bodies  71  and  72  of the connector, respectively, and connected to the PCB  77 . Each of the horizontal pin structures  73  and  74  connects the circuit component  70  and the PCB  77  by solder  75  and  76 . Each of the horizontal pin structures  73  and  74  has the same shape as the horizontal pin structure illustrated in  FIG. 7 . Therefore, the shape of each of the horizontal pin structures  73  and  74  is not deformed when the PCB  77  is bent. 
       FIG. 13  is a view (longitudinal cross-sectional view) illustrating a connector having a vertical pin structure. 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , a circuit component  82  is inserted into vertical pin structures  80  attached to a main body  84  of the connector, and connected to a PCB  86 . Each of the vertical pin structures  80  connects the circuit component  82  and the PCB  86  by solder  88 . Each of the vertical pin structures  80  has the same shape as the vertical pin structure illustrated in  FIG. 8 . Therefore, the shape of each of the horizontal pin structures  80  is not deformed when the PCB  86  is bent. 
       FIG. 14  is a view (longitudinal cross-sectional view) explaining a connector including a horizontal pin structure according to another exemplary embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , an electronic device (or electronic component)  400  may include a circuit component  405  mounted on a PCB  440 , connectors, connection members  430  and  435 , such as solder, and a PCB  440 . Each of the connectors may include at least one pin structure  200  that has been described with reference to  FIG. 10 . Each of the connectors may be applied to (and used for) electronic products such as a curved display device having a curved or flexible product structure. The pin structure  200  may be connected to a circuit pattern on the PCB  440  by the connection members  430  and  435 . 
     Each of the connectors connected to the PCB  440  may include a connector body  410  or  415 , and at least one pin  200  that is inserted into a through hole formed at a side of the connector body  410  or  415 . 
     Each of the pins  200  may include a circuit connection portion that is inserted into each of the through holes and connected to the circuit component  405 , a variable portion that is connected to the circuit connection portion and deforms in shape when the PCB  440  is bent, and a PCB connection portion that is connected to the variable portion and connected to the PCB  440 . As illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the variable portion may have a rod structure with a curved line shape. Therefore, in the connector according to the present system and method, when the PCB  440  is bent as illustrated in  FIG. 16 , the shape of the pin structure  200  may be deformed, unlike the horizontal pins  73  and  74  in  FIG. 12 , thereby preventing a solder crack from occurring in the solder  430  and  435 . 
       FIG. 15  is a view (longitudinal cross-sectional view) explaining a connector including a vertical pin structure according to another exemplary embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , an electronic device (or electronic component)  500  may include the circuit component  510 , a connector, connection members  530 , such as solder, and the PCB  525 . The connector may include at least one pin structure  300  that has been described with reference to  FIG. 11 . The connector may be applied to (and used for) electronic products such as a curved display device having a curved or flexible product structure. The pin structures  300  may be connected to circuit patterns beneath the PCB  525  by the connection members  530 . 
     The connector connected to the PCB  525  may include a connector body  515 , the pins  300 , which are inserted into through holes formed at a lower side of the connector body  515 , and a space providing portion  520  formed (or disposed) between the connector body  515  and the PCB  525 . 
     Each of the pins  300  may include a circuit connection portion that is inserted into each of the through holes and connected to the circuit component  510 , a variable portion that is connected to the circuit connection portion and deforms in shape when the PCB  525  is bent, and a PCB connection portion that is connected to the variable portion and connected to the PCB  525 . The space providing portion  520  may provide a space in which the variable portion is disposed and in which the variable portion may deform in shape. The space providing portion  520  may be formed by using a plastic mold. In another exemplary embodiment, the space providing portion  520  may form an opening between the connector body  515  and the PCB  525 . 
     The aforementioned connector according to the present system and method includes the plurality of pins  300 , but the present system and method may also be applied to the configuration having a single pin  300 . 
     In the connector according to the present system and method, when the PCB  525  is bent as illustrated in  FIG. 17 , the shape of the pin structure  300 , which is disposed at an edge of the connector among the pin structures  300 , may be deformed, unlike the vertical pin  80  in  FIG. 13 , thereby preventing a solder crack from occurring in the solder  530 , and preventing a contact defect of the connector. 
       FIG. 18  is a view (longitudinal cross-sectional view) explaining the connector including the vertical pin structure according to another exemplary embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 18, 11 and 15 , the vertical pin structure, which has been described with reference to  FIG. 15 , may further include a locking unit  600  at the circuit connection portion  305 . 
     The locking unit  600  may be a locking structure that prevents the circuit connection portion  305  from being deformed in length when the PCB  525  is bent, and has a locking shape. 
     In a case in which the circuit connection portion  305  has a rod shape, the locking unit  600  may be a rod portion that is formed at a lower side of the circuit connection portion  305  and has a cross section that has a circumferential length shorter than a circumferential length of a cross section of an upper portion of the circuit connection portion  305 . In another exemplary embodiment, the locking unit  600  may be a rod portion having concave grooves formed at both lower ends of the circuit connection portion  305 . 
     In a case in which the circuit connection portion  305  further includes the locking unit  600  that prevents the circuit connection portion  305  from being deformed in length when the PCB  525  is bent, the locking unit  600  may be inserted into (or fixed to) the through hole formed in the connector  515 . 
     In a case in which the connector  515  is a vertical connector (or the pin structure has a vertical pin structure), the variable portion  310  may have a rod structure with an antenna shape (or antenna structure) or a spring shape (or spring structure), as illustrated in  FIG. 18 . The circuit connection portion  305  and the PCB connection portion  315  may also have the rod structure as illustrated in  FIG. 18 . 
     The antenna shape indicates three shapes illustrated at the left side of  FIG. 18 , and the spring shape indicates two shapes illustrated at the right side of  FIG. 18 . 
     Among the antenna shapes, the second variable portion  310  from the left may have a structure that extends in length (is lengthened) and is deformed in shape when the PCB  525  is bent such that a lower structure of the variable portion  310  is moved away from an upper structure of the variable portion  310 . Among the antenna shapes, the third variable portion  310  from the left may have a structure in which an intermediate structure of the variable portion  310  extends in length (is lengthened) and is deformed in shape when the PCB  525  is bent. 
     The connector  515  according to the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 18  may include a combination of the vertical pin structure having the antenna shape and the pin structure having the spring shape. 
       FIG. 19  is a view (longitudinal cross-sectional view) explaining the connector including the horizontal pin structure according to another exemplary embodiment. A connector illustrated at the upper side of  FIG. 19  and a connector illustrated at the lower side of  FIG. 19  may be separated from each other. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 19, 9 and 10 , the horizontal pin structure, which has been described with reference to  FIG. 9 , may further include a locking unit  605  at the circuit connection portion  205 . 
     The locking unit  605  may be a locking structure that prevents the circuit connection portion  205  from being deformed in length when the PCB  120  is bent. 
     In a case in which the circuit connection portion  205  has a rod shape, the locking unit  605  may be a rod portion that is formed at a lower side of the circuit connection portion  205  and has a cross section that has a circumferential length shorter than a circumferential length of a cross section of an upper portion of the circuit connection portion  205 . In another exemplary embodiment, the locking unit  605  may be a rod portion having concave grooves formed at both lower ends of the circuit connection portion  205 . 
     In a case in which the circuit connection portion  205  further includes the locking unit  605  that prevents the circuit connection portion  205  from being deformed in length when the PCB  120  is bent, the locking unit  605  may be inserted into (or fixed to) the through hole formed in the connector  110 . 
     In a case in which the connector  110  is a horizontal connector (or the pin structure has a horizontal pin structure), the variable portion  210  may have a rod structure with a zigzag shape (a bent “Z” shape or the number “2” shape) or a spring shape (any one of a zigzag shape and a spring shape) when viewed in the front direction. The circuit connection portion  205  and the PCB connection portion  215  may also have the rod structure as illustrated in  FIG. 19 . 
     As described above, the present system and method include the pin structure that is deformable in shape, thereby reducing stress applied to the solder when the PCB is bent, and uniformly maintaining the arrangement of the pins of the connector. Therefore, the present system and method may improve reliability of the solder (or the circuit components) and contact reliability of the connector. 
       FIG. 20  is a view (perspective view) explaining the connector including the horizontal pin structure according to another exemplary embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIG. 20 , an electronic device (or electronic component) may include a circuit component (not illustrated) that is mounted on a PCB (not illustrated), a connector  111  that is formed (or disposed) on the PCB, and a connection member (not illustrated) (e.g., solder) that connects the connector  111  and the PCB. The connector may include at least one pin structure  200  that has been described with reference to  FIG. 9 . In another exemplary embodiment, the connector may include at least one horizontal pin structure  64  illustrated in  FIG. 7 . 
     The electronic device illustrated in  FIG. 20  may differ from the electronic device in  FIG. 9  in that the pin structure  200  may move between insertion holes (or through holes)  112  formed at a side of the connector when the PCB is bent. In more detail, the electronic device in  FIG. 20  may include the constituent elements of the aforementioned electronic device illustrated in  FIG. 9 , and the insertion holes  112  and connecting holes  113  that are formed at a side of the connector. 
     For example, a pair of groups of the insertion holes, which are arranged in parallel, is illustrated in  FIG. 20 . One group of the insertion holes may include four insertion holes  112 . As illustrated in  FIG. 20 , the pin  200  may be inserted into (or fixed to) one insertion hole  112 . 
     The connector may be applied to (and used for) electronic products such as a curved display device having a curved or flexible product structure. The pin structure  200  may be connected to a circuit pattern on the PCB by the connection member. 
     The connector connected to the PCB may include a connector body  111 , the pin  200 , which is inserted into any one of at least two insertion holes  112  formed at a side of the connector body  111 , and the connecting holes  113 , which allow the pin  200  to move between the insertion holes  112  (for example, downward) when the PCB is bent and connect the insertion holes  112 . The connecting hole may be a through hole. When a predetermined amount or more of stress is applied to the pin  200 , a position of the pin  200  may be moved (or changed). 
     The pin  200  may include a circuit connection portion that is inserted into any one of the insertion holes  112  and connected to the circuit component, a variable portion that is connected to the circuit connection portion and deforms in shape when the PCB is bent (curved), and a PCB connection portion that is connected to the variable portion and connected to the PCB. 
     The variable portion may have a rod structure that deforms in shape while a length (or shape) of the rod structure contracts or expands. The variable portion may have a rod structure with a zigzag shape or a spring shape. 
     The aforementioned present system and method may also be applied to an exemplary embodiment in which the pin is deformed in shape or the pin is changed in position from an initial state according to a radius of curvature of a curved display device. 
     Although the discussion above expounds on an exemplary embodiment in which the pin structure is included in the connector, according to another exemplary embodiment, a pin structure that is directly connected to a circuit component may also be applied. Except for the configuration in which the pin structure is not included in the connector, the pin structure according such an embodiment may include the same constituent elements as the aforementioned exemplary pin structures (e.g., pin structure in  FIG. 9 ). 
     As described above, exemplary embodiments are disclosed in the drawings and the specification. Here, although specific terms have been used, the terms are used for the purpose of describing the present system and method, and do not limit the meaning or the scope of the present system and method, which is included in the appended claims. Thus, those of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that numerous variations and equivalent exemplary embodiments may be made from the present system and method. Accordingly, the technical protection scope of the present system and method is determined by the technical spirit of the appended claims. 
     DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 
       105 : Circuit component 
       110 : Connector 
       115 : Connection member 
       120 : PCB 
       205 : Circuit connection portion 
       210 : Variable portion 
       215 : PCB connection portion 
       305 : Circuit connection portion 
       310 : Variable portion 
       315 : PCB connection portion