US20060182529A1 - Transfer device and semiconductor processing system - Google Patents
Transfer device and semiconductor processing system Download PDFInfo
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- US20060182529A1 US20060182529A1 US10/545,312 US54531205A US2006182529A1 US 20060182529 A1 US20060182529 A1 US 20060182529A1 US 54531205 A US54531205 A US 54531205A US 2006182529 A1 US2006182529 A1 US 2006182529A1
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- transfer device
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- transfer
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L21/00—Processes or apparatus adapted for the manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or solid state devices or of parts thereof
- H01L21/67—Apparatus specially adapted for handling semiconductor or electric solid state devices during manufacture or treatment thereof; Apparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components ; Apparatus not specifically provided for elsewhere
- H01L21/68—Apparatus specially adapted for handling semiconductor or electric solid state devices during manufacture or treatment thereof; Apparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components ; Apparatus not specifically provided for elsewhere for positioning, orientation or alignment
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L21/00—Processes or apparatus adapted for the manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or solid state devices or of parts thereof
- H01L21/67—Apparatus specially adapted for handling semiconductor or electric solid state devices during manufacture or treatment thereof; Apparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components ; Apparatus not specifically provided for elsewhere
- H01L21/677—Apparatus specially adapted for handling semiconductor or electric solid state devices during manufacture or treatment thereof; Apparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components ; Apparatus not specifically provided for elsewhere for conveying, e.g. between different workstations
- H01L21/67763—Apparatus specially adapted for handling semiconductor or electric solid state devices during manufacture or treatment thereof; Apparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components ; Apparatus not specifically provided for elsewhere for conveying, e.g. between different workstations the wafers being stored in a carrier, involving loading and unloading
- H01L21/67766—Mechanical parts of transfer devices
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L21/00—Processes or apparatus adapted for the manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or solid state devices or of parts thereof
- H01L21/67—Apparatus specially adapted for handling semiconductor or electric solid state devices during manufacture or treatment thereof; Apparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components ; Apparatus not specifically provided for elsewhere
- H01L21/677—Apparatus specially adapted for handling semiconductor or electric solid state devices during manufacture or treatment thereof; Apparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components ; Apparatus not specifically provided for elsewhere for conveying, e.g. between different workstations
- H01L21/67739—Apparatus specially adapted for handling semiconductor or electric solid state devices during manufacture or treatment thereof; Apparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components ; Apparatus not specifically provided for elsewhere for conveying, e.g. between different workstations into and out of processing chamber
- H01L21/67742—Mechanical parts of transfer devices
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L21/00—Processes or apparatus adapted for the manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or solid state devices or of parts thereof
- H01L21/67—Apparatus specially adapted for handling semiconductor or electric solid state devices during manufacture or treatment thereof; Apparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components ; Apparatus not specifically provided for elsewhere
- H01L21/677—Apparatus specially adapted for handling semiconductor or electric solid state devices during manufacture or treatment thereof; Apparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components ; Apparatus not specifically provided for elsewhere for conveying, e.g. between different workstations
- H01L21/67739—Apparatus specially adapted for handling semiconductor or electric solid state devices during manufacture or treatment thereof; Apparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components ; Apparatus not specifically provided for elsewhere for conveying, e.g. between different workstations into and out of processing chamber
- H01L21/67745—Apparatus specially adapted for handling semiconductor or electric solid state devices during manufacture or treatment thereof; Apparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components ; Apparatus not specifically provided for elsewhere for conveying, e.g. between different workstations into and out of processing chamber characterized by movements or sequence of movements of transfer devices
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a transfer device for use in a semiconductor processing system for transferring a substrate to be processed and a semiconductor processing system having the transfer device.
- semiconductor processing used herein denotes various processes performed to manufacture semiconductor devices or a structure including, e.g., wiring and electrodes connected to the semiconductor devices, on a substrate to be processed such as a wafer or a glass substrate for LCD (Liquid crystal display) or FPD (Flat Panel Display), by way of forming a semiconductor layer, an insulating layer, a conductive layer and the like in required patterns on the substrate.
- a single wafer processing apparatus which processes substrates one by one, is one of systems for performing a semiconductor processing on a substrate to be processed such as a semiconductor wafer.
- a multi chamber type semiconductor processing system wherein a plurality of such processing apparatuses are coupled to each other via a common transfer chamber such that various processes can be successively executed without exposing a wafer to the atmosphere.
- Such a semiconductor processing system may include a normal pressure processing type as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication No. 7-86375 and a vacuum processing type as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication No. 2000-195925.
- a plurality of processing chambers are disposed in a line, and at least some of the processing chambers are disposed vertically.
- a transfer device movable parallel to the processing chambers is disposed in order to transfer a substrate thereto.
- the transfer device includes a moving base movable on rails. Stood on the moving base is a pair of supports, which is connected to a vertically movable housing via a vertical arm mechanism.
- a horizontal arm mechanism having a substrate supporting unit capable of supporting two substrates.
- a transfer chamber capable of being depressurized is surrounded by a plurality of vacuum processing chambers and load lock chambers. Processing chambers and load lock chambers are disposed vertically at at least one location around the transfer chamber.
- a transfer device is disposed in the transfer chamber and includes a pair of small-sized arm mechanisms stretchable and contractable horizontally. The small-sized arm mechanisms are disposed such that they can revolve horizontally and move up and down.
- a transfer device for use in a semiconductor processing system, including a first and a second actuation mechanism having a first and a second support section which are respectively movable in a common space on a first and a second vertical plane parallel with each other; a first and a second movable block supported by the first and the second support section so as to be moved while being maintained horizontally in the common space by the first and the second actuation mechanism, wherein the first and the second movable block are extended from the first and the second supporting unit toward the second and the first vertical plane, respectively, by passing through a vertical plane which is at a center between the first and the second vertical plane; a first and a second handling mechanism respectively disposed on the first and the second movable block and capable of being extended and contracted to handle substrates to be processed; and a controller for controlling operations of the first and the second actuation mechanism such that the first and the second movable block do not interfere with each other in the common space.
- a semiconductor processing system including a transfer chamber having a plurality of ports for loading or unloading a substrate to be processed; at least one processing chamber, each processing chamber being connected to one of the plurality of ports, for performing a semiconductor processing on the substrate to be processed; and a transfer device, disposed in the transfer chamber, for loading or unloading the substrate to be processed via the plurality of ports, the transfer device having a first and a second actuation mechanism having a first and a second support section which are respectively movable in a common space on a first and a second vertical plane parallel with each other; a first and a second movable block supported by the first and the second support section so as to be moved while being maintained horizontally in the common space by the first and the second actuation mechanism, wherein the first and the second movable block are extended from the first and the second supporting unit toward the second and the first vertical plane, respectively, by passing through a vertical plane which is at a center between the first
- FIG. 1 provides a perspective view for showing a portion of a semiconductor processing system having a transfer device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 illustrates a vertical cross sectional side view of the system depicted in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 describes a schematic plan view of the overall system depicted in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 offers a perspective view showing one example of a large-sized arm mechanism of the transfer device depicted in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 5 presents a perspective view showing one example of a small-sized arm mechanism of the transfer device depicted in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 6 sets forth a perspective view showing another example of the large-sized arm mechanism of the transfer device depicted in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 7 represents a cross sectional view showing a modified example of the system depicted in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view showing a semiconductor processing system having a transfer device in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 describes a cross sectional view showing a driving unit of the transfer device depicted in FIG. 8 ;
- FIG. 10 offers a perspective view showing a modified example of the system depicted in FIG. 8 ;
- FIG. 11 provides a perspective view showing a modified example of the system depicted in FIG. 10 ;
- FIG. 12 presents a schematic plan view showing a semiconductor processing system in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 13 sets forth a schematic plan view showing a semiconductor processing system in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 14 represents a perspective view showing a transfer device in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGS. 15A and 15B describe schematic side views showing a transfer device in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 16 offers a perspective view showing a transfer device in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 1 provides a perspective view for showing a portion of a semiconductor processing system having a transfer device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 illustrates a vertical cross sectional side view of the system depicted in FIG. 1 and
- FIG. 3 describes a schematic plan view showing the whole system depicted in FIG. 1 .
- a semiconductor processing system 1 includes a common transfer chamber (referred to as a vacuum transfer chamber hereinafter) 3 which is formed of a housing 2 extending in a horizontal X direction (a left-right direction in FIG. 3 ) and can be set to have a depressurized atmosphere therein. Disposed on four side surfaces of the vacuum transfer chamber 3 are a plurality (including different types) of processing chambers (vacuum processing chambers) 4 and load lock chambers 5 capable of being depressurized.
- the vacuum transfer chambers and/or the load lock chambers 5 are vertically disposed at multiple levels at at least one location around the vacuum transfer chamber 3 .
- ports 7 , 8 , 10 and 11 Formed on the four side surfaces of the transfer chamber 3 for the respective chambers 4 and 5 are ports 7 , 8 , 10 and 11 for transferring a semiconductor wafer W functioning as a substrate to be processed.
- the ports are arranged vertically at a portion where the vacuum processing chambers 4 and/or the load lock chambers 5 are disposed at multiple levels.
- Respectively disposed at ports 7 , 8 , 10 and 11 are gate valves G for airtightly making partitions between the transfer chamber 3 , and the vacuum processing chambers 4 and the load lock chambers 5 .
- a multiplicity of, e.g., three, ports 7 is formed at a first height on a side surface (a first side surface) 6 a of the vacuum transfer chamber 3 .
- the vacuum processing chamber 4 is connected to each port 7 via a gate valve G.
- a multiplicity of, e.g., three, ports 8 is formed at a second height on another side surface (a second side surface) 6 b opposite to the first side surface 6 a .
- the vacuum processing chamber 4 is also connected to each port 8 via a gate valve G.
- the difference between the first height and the second height corresponds to the height difference between positions of movable blocks 18 A and 18 B when the positions are exchanged in a Z direction (a vertical direction), wherein the movable blocks 18 A and 18 B are supported by a first and a second large-sized arm mechanism 9 A and 9 B and have small-sized arm mechanisms 19 A and 19 B, respectively.
- the movable block 18 A can be positioned either above or below the movable block 18 B.
- two transfer units are movably disposed in a length direction (the X direction) corresponding to the first and the second height in the housing 2 . Accordingly, transfer efficiency can be improved and control can be facilitated.
- the vacuum transfer chambers 4 may not be necessarily disposed at different heights on the left and the right side surface of the vacuum transfer chamber 3 .
- the vacuum processing chambers 4 can be disposed vertically at two levels on the left side surface and also at the same levels on the right side surface.
- Plural, e.g., four, ports 10 are formed vertically at multiple levels (plural levels) on one end of the vacuum transfer chamber 3 , i.e., a front end surface (a third side surface adjoining the first side surface) 6 c .
- a load lock chamber 5 is connected to each port 10 via a gate valve G.
- a port 11 is formed at the first height on the other end of the vacuum transfer chamber 3 , i.e., a rear end surface 6 d .
- the vacuum processing chamber 4 is connected to the port 11 via a gate valve G.
- the semiconductor processing system 1 also includes an inlet side transfer chamber having a normal pressure atmosphere therein (also referred to as a normal pressure transfer chamber or an atmospheric transfer chamber) 13 .
- the normal pressure transfer chamber is formed of a housing 12 extended in a horizontal Y direction (an up-and-down direction in FIG. 3 ) running perpendicular to the X direction, and is connected to the vacuum transfer chamber 3 via the load lock chambers 5 .
- the normal pressure transfer chamber 13 is used for transferring the semiconductor wafers W between the air side and the vacuum transfer chamber 3 .
- plural, e.g., four, ports for loading and unloading the wafers W are arranged horizontally on one side surface (a front surface) of the normal pressure transfer chamber 13 .
- a load port device 15 for mounting thereon a cassette 14 accommodating a number of wafers.
- Four ports are arranged vertically on another side surface (a back surface) of the normal pressure transfer chamber 13 and the above-mentioned load lock chambers 5 are connected thereto via gate valves G.
- an orienter 16 disposed at one end of the normal pressure transfer chamber 13 is an orienter 16 for performing a position aligning of the wafer.
- a transfer device 17 is disposed in each of the vacuum transfer chamber 3 and the normal pressure transfer chamber 13 .
- the transfer device 17 in the vacuum transfer chamber 3 and the normal pressure transfer chamber 13 are substantially identical. Therefore, only the transfer device 17 in the vacuum transfer chamber 3 will be described hereinafter, and a description for the transfer device 17 in the normal pressure transfer chamber 13 will be omitted.
- the transfer device 17 has a first and a second large-sized arm mechanism (a first and a second actuation mechanism) 9 A and 9 B, one on the right and one on the left, each formed of a stretchable, contractable and revolvable vertical multi-joint type robot.
- the first and the second large-sized arm mechanism 9 A and 9 B respectively have a first and a second support section (leading ends of the first and the second large-sized arm mechanism 9 A and 9 B in this embodiment).
- the support sections are respectively movable on a first and a second vertical plane VP 1 and VP 2 (see FIG. 2 ) running parallel to the X direction and parallel with each other in a common space formed by the vacuum transfer chamber 3 .
- Respectively supported at the leading ends of the first and the second large-sized arm mechanism 9 A and 9 B are a first and a second movable block (a first and a second base portion) 18 A and 18 B, which are moved horizontally by the first and the second large-sized arm mechanism 9 A and 9 B.
- the first and the second movable block 18 A and 18 B are extended toward each other from the leading ends of the first and the second large-sized arm mechanism 9 A and 9 B, respectively.
- the leading ends of the first and the second movable block 18 A and 18 B pass through a vertical plane VP 0 (a central line of the vacuum transfer chamber 3 ), which is at a center between the first and the second vertical plane VP 1 and VP 2 (vertical planes on which the leading ends of the first and the second large-sized arm mechanism 9 A and 9 B are moved), and terminate at positions not reaching the second and the first vertical plane VP 2 and VP 1 , respectively.
- a vertical plane VP 0 a central line of the vacuum transfer chamber 3
- VP 1 and VP 2 vertical planes on which the leading ends of the first and the second large-sized arm mechanism 9 A and 9 B are moved
- the first and the second small-sized arm mechanism 19 A and 19 B directly handle the wafers W when loading and unloading the wafers W, i.e., substrates to be processed, to and from the vacuum processing chambers 4 and the load lock chambers 5 .
- the first and the second small-sized arm mechanism 19 A and 19 B can rotate on a horizontal plane, and rotation centers thereof are disposed on the vertical plane VP 0 (the center line of the vacuum transfer chamber 3 ), which is at a center of the first and the second vertical plane VP 1 and VP 2 .
- the transfer device 17 further has a control section (controller) 20 for controlling an operation thereof.
- the control section 20 controls operations of the first and the second large-sized arm mechanism 9 A and 9 B such that the first and the second movable block 18 A and 18 B do not interfere with each other in the common space formed by the vacuum transfer chamber 3 . That is, the control section 20 manipulates the first and the second movable block 18 A and 18 B and to exchange their positions vertically.
- the large-sized arm mechanism is employed to move the movable blocks 18 A and 18 B in the Z direction (vertical direction) and the X direction.
- the large-sized arm mechanisms 9 A and 9 B are similar to a transfer robot on the market (UTM-3500 Robot sold by Assist Japan Co., Ltd.), but different therefrom in that two large-sized arm mechanisms 9 A and 9 B are assembled such that two movable blocks 18 A and 18 B are overlapped vertically and back and forth.
- the first and the second large-sized arm mechanism 9 A and 9 B share a base (a base portion) 21 disposed on a floor of the vacuum transfer chamber 3 .
- Each of the first and the second large-sized arm mechanism 9 A and 9 B has a base side arm 22 which is vertically revolvably connected to the base 21 and an intermediate arm 23 which is vertically revolvably connected to a leading end of the base side arm 22 .
- a leading end of each intermediate arm 23 functions as a support section of the movable block and a vertically standing portion 18 d formed as a single unit with the movable block 18 A or 18 B is vertically revolvably connected thereto.
- rails 24 can be prepared on the floor of the vacuum transfer chamber 3 to enable the base 21 to be driven on the rails 24 by a linear motor.
- each of the first and the second large-sized arm mechanism 9 A and 9 B may be configured to have an individual base instead of the common base 21 .
- the base 21 can be divided into two parts on the right and the left for the large-sized arm mechanisms 9 A and 9 B as shown in FIG. 1 , and the two parts can be made to move independently on the their own rails 24 . Consequently, wafers W can be transferred with a higher degree of freedom.
- FIG. 4 offers a perspective view showing an exemplary large-sized arm mechanism of the transfer device depicted in FIG. 1 .
- the large-sized arm mechanism 9 A ( 9 B) has an individual base 21 .
- a first driving unit 26 for vertically revolvably operating the base side arm 22 is disposed.
- a second driving unit 27 for vertically revolvably driving the intermediate arm 23 is disposed.
- a third driving unit 28 Disposed at a leading end of the intermediate arm 23 is a third driving unit 28 for vertically revolvably driving the movable block 18 A.
- FIG. 5 presents a perspective view showing an exemplary small-sized arm mechanism of the transfer device depicted in FIG. 1 .
- the small-sized arm mechanisms 19 A ( 19 B) has a rotatable table 31 which is rotatably disposed on the movable block 18 A.
- Two multi-joint arms 19 S and 19 T are disposed on the rotatable table 31 .
- Each of the multi-joint arms 19 S and 19 T has a horizontally revolvable base side arm 19 x ; an intermediate arm 19 y which is horizontally revolvably connected to a leading end of the base side arm 19 x ; and a pick (a substrate supporting unit) 30 which is horizontally revolvably connected to a leading end of the intermediate arm 19 y.
- a cover 32 is disposed on the rotatable table 31 is to accommodate thereunder the multi-joint arms 19 S and 19 T when they are contracted.
- the cover 32 can protect wafers W from particles even in a case where the particles fall down when the positions of the movable blocks 18 A and 18 B are exchanged vertically.
- An opening 33 is provided at the cover 32 so that the multi-joint arms 19 S and 19 T can stretch and contract horizontally.
- the opening 33 may be provided with a shutter.
- multi-joint arms 19 S and 19 T An analogue of the multi-joint arms 19 S and 19 T is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-open Application No. 6-338554.
- two multi-joint arms 19 S and 19 T are mounted on one movable block 18 A ( 18 B) in order to exchange a processed wafer and an unprocessed wafer efficiently.
- only one multi-joint arm can be disposed on one movable block 18 A ( 18 B).
- FIG. 6 sets forth a perspective view showing another exemplary large-sized arm mechanism of the transfer device depicted in FIG. 1 .
- the large-sized arm mechanism 9 A ( 9 B) has a parallel link structure. That is, the large-sized arm mechanism 9 A ( 9 B) has a base 21 ; a pair of base side arms 22 and 34 vertically revolvably connected thereto; and a pair of intermediate arms 23 and 35 vertically revolvably connected to leading ends of the pair of base side arms 22 and 34 . The leading ends of the pair of base side arms 22 and 34 are coupled to each other by a link 36 .
- Leading ends of the pair of intermediate arms 23 and 35 function as support sections of the movable block, and the vertically standing portion 18 d are formed as a single unit with the movable block 18 A ( 18 B) is vertically revolvably connected thereto.
- the third driving unit 28 (see FIG. 4 ) for horizontally controlling the movable block 18 A ( 18 B) becomes unnecessary since the movable block 18 A ( 18 B) is translated while being maintained horizontally.
- a driving unit 37 for a small-sized arm mechanism 19 is preferably disposed at the vertically standing portion 18 d of the movable block 18 A ( 18 B).
- a thickness of the movable block 18 A ( 18 B) can be made thinner, so that a space efficiency can be improved in the transfer space inside the vacuum transfer chamber 3 .
- an unprocessed wafer W is unloaded from a cassette 14 mounted on a load port device 15 and then loaded in one of the load lock chambers 5 by using the transfer device 17 disposed in the normal pressure transfer chamber 13 .
- the wafer W is handled by either one of two multi-joint arms 19 S and 19 T disposed in the small-sized arm mechanism 19 A ( 19 B) supported by the large-sized arm mechanism 9 A ( 9 B).
- the processed wafer W is unloaded by the other one of the multi-joint arms 19 S and 19 T and then the unprocessed wafer is loaded into the load lock chamber 5 .
- the unprocessed wafer W is unloaded from the load lock chamber 5 and then loaded into one of the vacuum processing chambers 4 .
- the transfer device 17 disposed in the vacuum transfer chamber 3 is used for the exchange of the processed wafer and the unprocessed wafer in the vacuum processing chamber 4 or the exchange of the unprocessed wafer and the processed wafer in the load lock chamber 5 . Since two multi-joint arms 19 S and 19 T are disposed in the small-sized arm mechanism 19 A ( 19 B) supported on the large-sized arm mechanism 9 A ( 9 B), an operation of exchanging wafers can be performed quickly by using both of the multi-joint arms 19 S and 19 T.
- the small-sized arm mechanism 19 A performs a transfer of the wafers W mainly between two upper load lock chambers 5 of the multi-level load lock chambers 5 and the vacuum processing chambers 4 at the first height on the first side surface 6 a of the vacuum transfer chamber 3 (a first transfer route).
- the other small-sized arm mechanism 19 B performs a transfer of wafers W mainly between two lower load lock chambers 5 of the multi-level load lock chambers 5 and the vacuum processing chambers 4 at the second height (lower than the first height) on the second side surface 6 b of the vacuum transfer chamber 3 (a second transfer route).
- the small-sized arm mechanisms 19 A and 19 B on the movable blocks 18 A and 18 B are moved in the Z and the X direction and at the same time rotated on horizontal planes. At this time, positions of two movable blocks 18 A and 18 B are exchanged in the Z direction (the vertical direction) if necessary, to prevent them from interfering with each other.
- both of the small-sized arm mechanisms 19 A and 19 B can transfer the wafers W at an upper end side or a lower end side.
- an operational example of the small-sized arm mechanisms 19 A and 19 B is not limited to the above-mentioned example.
- the small-sized arm mechanism 19 A performs the transfer of wafers W between upper vacuum processing chambers 4 and upper load lock chambers 5 (the first transfer route).
- the other small-sized arm mechanism 19 B performs the transfer of wafers W between lower vacuum processing chambers 4 and lower load lock chambers 5 (the second transfer route). In such a case, it is not necessary to vertically exchange the positions of the small-sized arm mechanisms 19 A and 19 B.
- the small-sized arm mechanism 19 A ( 19 B) is revolved and its stretching and contracting directions thereof are changed. And, when performing a transfer of wafers W across the first transfer route (the upper end side) and the second transfer route (the lower end side), each of the small-sized arm mechanisms 19 A and 19 B is moved vertically and the positions thereof are vertically exchanged, if necessary.
- FIG. 7 represents a cross sectional view showing a modified example of the system depicted in FIG. 1 .
- the vacuum processing chambers 4 can be disposed at different heights on both sides of the vacuum transfer chamber 3 and the bases 21 can be provided individually on the left and the right for the large-sized arm mechanism 9 A and 9 B.
- a partition plate 29 for partially partitioning the vacuum transfer chamber 3 can be disposed at a position between the ports of the vacuum processing chambers 4 of the first height and the ports of the vacuum processing chambers 4 of the second height, as shown in FIG. 7 . By doing so, it is possible to prevent a diffusion of contaminants between the vacuum processing chambers of the first height and those of the second height.
- the positions of the small-sized arm mechanisms 19 A and 19 B are vertically exchanged if necessary, when performing a transfer of wafers W between the upper end side and the lower end side.
- FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view showing a semiconductor processing system having a transfer device in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 shows a cross sectional view of driving units of the transfer unit shown in FIG. 8 .
- the transfer device 17 is installed (by being offset) at a position close to one end in a length direction of the vacuum transfer chamber 3 in order to improve maintainability.
- a base portion of two large-sized arm mechanisms 9 A and 9 B is disposed at a position close to one end in the length direction of the vacuum transfer chamber 3 , e.g., a position close to a load lock chamber 5 .
- An opening 38 which can be opened or airtightly closed selectively by a maintenance door (not shown), is formed on one side surface (for example, a first side surface) of the vacuum transfer chamber 3 .
- the semiconductor processing system 1 further has a structure for making use of, at an upper part thereof, an increased stroke obtained by offsetting the base portion of the large-sized arm mechanism 9 A ( 9 B). That is, an opening 39 , which can be opened or airtightly closed selectively by a lid (not shown), is provided at the upper portion (a ceiling plate) of the vacuum transfer chamber 3 . A curtain sensor (an area sensor) 39 s is disposed at the opening 39 . Further, if the large-sized arm mechanism 9 A ( 9 B) is made to have a margin in the stroke thereof, the opening can be employed even in a case where the base portion is not disposed at an offset position in the vacuum transfer chamber 3 .
- the movable block 18 A ( 18 B) can be projected upward from the opening 39 by stretching the large-sized arm mechanism 9 A ( 9 B). By projecting the movable block 18 A ( 18 B) from the opening 39 , it is possible to facilitate maintenance of the movable block 18 A ( 18 B) and the small-sized arm mechanism 19 A ( 19 B).
- the curtain sensor 39 s serves to give the alarm to operators by detecting their approach to the opening 39 in order to prevent the operators from getting into unintentional contact with the movable block 18 A ( 18 B) and the small-sized arm mechanism 19 A ( 19 B).
- the large-sized arm mechanisms 9 A and 9 B are revolvably supported by a lower sidewall 6 x of the vacuum transfer chamber 3 serving as a common fixed base portion.
- the revolving centers of the large-sized arm mechanisms 9 A and 9 B are disposed coaxially and, on an outer surface of the lower sidewall 6 x , driving units 26 A and 26 B of the large-sized arm mechanisms 9 A and 9 B are disposed correspondingly to these axes.
- the first driving unit 26 A of the first large-sized arm mechanism 9 A is attached to the lower sidewall 6 x .
- a rotation axis 40 A of the first driving unit 26 A is airtightly and rotatably inserted into the vacuum transfer chamber 3 .
- the rotation axis 40 A of the first driving unit 26 A is a hollow axis.
- the first driving unit 26 B of the second large-sized arm mechanism 9 B is attached to an outer side of the first driving unit 26 A.
- a rotation axis 40 B of the first driving unit 26 B is airtightly and rotatably inserted through the inside of the hollow rotation axis 40 A.
- FIG. 10 offers a perspective view showing a modified example of the system depicted in FIG. 8 .
- a ceiling portion 6 y at one end side of the vacuum transfer chamber 3 is formed higher than a ceiling portion 6 z at the other end side thereof.
- a sub-port 41 for loading and unloading wafers W is formed at an upper sidewall of the boundary between the higher ceiling portion 6 y and the lower ceiling portion 6 z .
- a gate valve (not shown) is a sub-module, for example, a sub-processing chamber 42 for performing a preheating, a cooling or the like of wafer.
- the sub-processing chamber 42 is disposed on the lower ceiling portion 6 z , so that a space can be used effectively.
- An upper space under the higher ceiling portion 6 y is set to have dimensions capable of disposing the small-sized arm mechanism 19 A ( 19 B) thereat when the small-sized arm mechanism 19 A ( 19 B) accesses the sub-processing chamber 42 .
- a utility duct 43 is disposed by making use of an empty space, so that space efficiency can be improved.
- the duct 43 is formed of an angled pipe made of plastic or the like, and a bundle of pipes, wires and the like for utilities is inserted through the inside of the duct 43 to be protected.
- the pipes and wires for utilities include pipes or wires for electricity, water, nonreactive gas (e.g., nitrogen), dry air and the like supplied from a factory to the semiconductor processing system; and pipes for draining water, heat exhaust and the like from the semiconductor processing system to the factory.
- FIG. 11 provides a perspective view showing a modified example of the system depicted in FIG. 10 .
- a housing of the vacuum transfer chamber 3 has a configuration capable of being divided into a front portion and a rear portion.
- the base portion of the large-sized arm mechanisms 9 A and 9 B is offset and, thus, disposed at the front end side of the vacuum transfer chamber 3 . Accordingly, it becomes possible to divide the housing of the vacuum transfer chamber 3 into a standard portion 3 A having the large-sized arm mechanisms 9 A and 9 B at the front and an optional portion 3 B at the back.
- the optional portion 3 B at the back can be selected from those of plural kinds having large and small sizes with varying the number of process modules connected thereto.
- FIGS. 12 and 13 present schematic plan views showing semiconductor processing systems in accordance with further preferred embodiments of the present invention.
- the small-sized arm mechanism 19 A ( 19 B) is revolvably disposed on the movable block 18 A ( 18 B).
- the small-sized arm mechanism 19 A ( 19 B) does not make a revolving movement in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 .
- the transfer devices 17 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 are identical to that shown in FIG. 1 excepting that the small-sized arm mechanism 19 A ( 19 B) thereof does not make a revolving movement.
- vacuum processing chambers 4 and load lock chambers 5 are disposed only at one side of a vacuum transfer chamber 3 .
- the vacuum processing chambers 4 and the load lock chambers 5 are disposed at multiple levels at at least one location around the vacuum transfer chamber 3 .
- the small-sized arm mechanism 19 A ( 19 B) is movable in the X direction, i.e., the length direction of the transfer chamber, and the Z direction by the large-sized arm mechanism 9 A ( 9 B) shown in FIG. 1 , for example. Further, the small-sized arm mechanism 19 A ( 19 B) is stretchable and contractable in the Y direction running perpendicular to the X direction.
- both the small-sized arm mechanisms 19 A and 19 B access the ports of the vacuum processing chambers 4 and the load lock chambers 5 by stretching in a same Y direction. And, the small-sized arm mechanism 19 A ( 19 B) performs a transfer of wafers W between the vacuum processing chambers 4 and the load lock chambers 5 .
- the transfer device 17 has a structure simpler than that shown in FIG. 1 , it is appropriate to a small-sized semiconductor processing system 1 as illustrated in FIG. 12 .
- vacuum processing chambers 4 and load lock chambers 5 are disposed at both sides of a vacuum transfer chamber 3 .
- the vacuum processing chambers 4 and the load lock chambers 5 are disposed at multiple levels at at least one location of each side of the vacuum transfer chamber 3 .
- the small-sized arm mechanism 19 A ( 19 B) is movable in the X direction, i.e., the length direction of the transfer chamber, and the Z direction by the large-sized arm mechanism 9 A ( 9 B) shown in FIG. 1 , for example. Further, the small-sized arm mechanism 19 A ( 19 B) is stretchable and contractable in the Y direction running perpendicular to the X direction.
- both of the small-sized arm mechanisms 19 A and 19 B access the ports of the vacuum processing chambers 4 and the load lock chambers 5 by stretching in opposite Y directions.
- the small-sized arm mechanism 19 A ( 19 B) performs a transfer of wafers W between the vacuum processing chambers 4 and the load lock chambers 5 at either one of the sides of the vacuum transfer chamber 3 .
- the transfer device 17 has a structure simpler than that shown in FIG. 1 , it is appropriate for use in a semiconductor processing system 1 as illustrated in FIG. 13 , where a processing sequence for the wafers W is somewhat limited.
- FIG. 14 represents a perspective view showing a transfer device in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- the transfer device 17 has a first base 21 A and a second base 21 B independently moving in the X direction on rails 24 A and 24 B.
- Respectively disposed on the first and the second base 21 A and 21 B are a first and a second elevation mechanism (reciprocator) 9 S and 9 T which slide in the vertical direction (the Z direction).
- the first and the second elevation mechanism 9 S and 9 T respectively have a first and a second support section (leading ends of the first and the second elevation mechanism 9 S and 9 T in this embodiment) moving on a first and a second vertical plane which are parallel to the X direction and also parallel with each other in a common space formed by a transfer chamber (a vacuum transfer chamber or a normal pressure transfer chamber) 50 .
- a transfer chamber a vacuum transfer chamber or a normal pressure transfer chamber
- a first and a second movable block (a first and a second base portion) 18 A and 18 B are respectively supported on the leading ends of the first and the second elevation mechanism 9 S and 9 T and are horizontally moved by the first and the second elevation mechanism 9 S and 9 T.
- the first and the second movable block 18 A and 18 B are respectively extended from the leading ends of the first and the second elevation mechanism 9 S and 9 T toward each other.
- the leading ends of the first and the second movable block 18 A and 18 B pass through a vertical plane (a central line of the vacuum transfer chamber 50 ), which is at a center between the first and the second vertical plane described above (vertical planes on which the leading ends of first and the second elevation mechanism 9 S and 9 T are moved), and terminate at a position not reaching the second and the first vertical plane.
- a vertical plane a central line of the vacuum transfer chamber 50
- the first and the second small-sized arm mechanism 19 A and 19 B can rotate on horizontal planes, and rotation centers thereof are disposed on the vertical plane (the center line of the vacuum transfer chamber 50 ), which is at a center of the first and the second vertical plane.
- the transfer device 17 further has a control section (a controller) 20 for controlling an operation thereof.
- the control section 20 controls operations of the first and the second base 21 A and 21 B and the first and the second elevation mechanism 9 S and 9 T such that the first and the second movable block 18 A and 18 B do not interfere with each other in the common space formed by the transfer chamber 50 . That is, the control section 20 manipulates the first and the second movable block 18 A and 18 B such that their positions are exchanged vertically.
- FIGS. 15A and 15B describe schematic side views showing a transfer device in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- the transfer device employs multi-joint arms instead of the elevation mechanisms 9 S and 9 T depicted in FIG. 14 .
- FIG. 15A presents a state where the movable block 18 A ( 18 B) is moved down; and
- FIG. 15B presents a state where the movable block 18 A ( 18 B) is moved up. Remaining portions of the transfer device can be configured in the same manner shown in FIG. 14 .
- the transfer device 17 shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B has a base 21 A ( 21 B) moving on a rail 24 A ( 24 B).
- a base side arm 22 is vertically revolvably connected to the base 21 A ( 21 B).
- An intermediate arm 23 is vertically revolvably connected to a leading end of the base side arm 22 .
- a movable block 18 A ( 18 B) is vertically revolvably connected to a leading end of the intermediate arm 23 while being maintained horizontally.
- the multi-joint arm stretches and contracts such that the movable block 18 A ( 18 B) moves only vertically. Also in this embodiment, the first and the second movable block 18 A and 18 B are operated so that the positions thereof can be exchanged vertically.
- FIG. 16 offers a perspective view showing a transfer device in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- the base or the base portion of the transfer device is disposed on or near the floor of the transfer chamber.
- a base (a base portion) 21 is disposed on a ceiling of a transfer chamber (a vacuum transfer chamber or a normal pressure transfer chamber) 50 .
- the transfer device depicted in FIG. 16 has the same structure as the transfer device 17 shown in FIG. 1 excepting that it is upside down. That is, a first and a second large-sized arm mechanisms 9 A and 9 B are downwardly disposed on the base 21 to enable downward stretching. Lower end portions of the first and the second large-sized arm mechanisms 9 A and 9 B function as support sections of movable blocks and movable blocks 18 A and 18 B are vertically revolvably connected thereto.
- the base or the base portion thereof may also be disposed at a ceiling side such that actuation mechanisms of movable blocks stretch downward. Further, if necessary, it is possible to combine an actuation mechanism of a movable block with its base or base portion disposed at a floor side and an actuation mechanism of a movable block with its base or base portion disposed at a ceiling side.
- semiconductor wafers can be transferred reliably and efficiently through the use of the transfer device and the semiconductor processing systems in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention.
- two small-sized arm mechanisms (handling mechanisms) 19 A and 19 B can be disposed at locations having a same coordinate in the X coordinate but with different coordinates in the Z direction (vertical direction), if necessary.
- each of the small-sized arm mechanism 19 A and 19 B does not interfere with an actuation mechanism of a movable block for the other small-sized arm mechanism. Therefore, a wafer can be transferred reliably and efficiently to a mounting position, resulting in an improved processing throughput.
- an overall transfer device becomes compact. Thus, space efficiency of a device or a system can be improved.
- a LCD substrate can be used as a substrate.
- a small-sized arm mechanism (a handling mechanism) may be implemented with a plurality of linearly slidable arms in lieu of a multi-joint arm. In this case, by moving each arm forward and backward, it is possible to extend and retract a substrate supporting unit at a leading end thereof.
- a transfer device and a semiconductor processing system capable of improving transfer efficiency are provided.
Abstract
A transfer device 17 in a semiconductor processing system includes first and second actuation mechanisms 9A, 9having first and second support sections movable on first and second vertical planes, respectively, the latter being parallel with each other. First and second movable blocks 18A, 18B are supported on the first and second support sections so that they may be horizontally moved by the first and second actuation mechanisms. Disposed on the first and second movable blocks are first and second handling mechanism 19A, 19B capable of extension and contraction for handling a processing subject substrate W. A control section 20 controls the operation of the first and second actuation mechanisms so that the first and second movable blocks may not interfere with each other.
Description
- The present invention relates to a transfer device for use in a semiconductor processing system for transferring a substrate to be processed and a semiconductor processing system having the transfer device. The term “semiconductor processing” used herein denotes various processes performed to manufacture semiconductor devices or a structure including, e.g., wiring and electrodes connected to the semiconductor devices, on a substrate to be processed such as a wafer or a glass substrate for LCD (Liquid crystal display) or FPD (Flat Panel Display), by way of forming a semiconductor layer, an insulating layer, a conductive layer and the like in required patterns on the substrate.
- A single wafer processing apparatus, which processes substrates one by one, is one of systems for performing a semiconductor processing on a substrate to be processed such as a semiconductor wafer. Further, there is a multi chamber type semiconductor processing system, wherein a plurality of such processing apparatuses are coupled to each other via a common transfer chamber such that various processes can be successively executed without exposing a wafer to the atmosphere. Such a semiconductor processing system may include a normal pressure processing type as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication No. 7-86375 and a vacuum processing type as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication No. 2000-195925.
- In the system disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication No. 7-86375, a plurality of processing chambers are disposed in a line, and at least some of the processing chambers are disposed vertically. A transfer device movable parallel to the processing chambers is disposed in order to transfer a substrate thereto. The transfer device includes a moving base movable on rails. Stood on the moving base is a pair of supports, which is connected to a vertically movable housing via a vertical arm mechanism. Provided in the housing is a horizontal arm mechanism having a substrate supporting unit capable of supporting two substrates.
- In the system disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication No. 2000-195925, a transfer chamber capable of being depressurized is surrounded by a plurality of vacuum processing chambers and load lock chambers. Processing chambers and load lock chambers are disposed vertically at at least one location around the transfer chamber. A transfer device is disposed in the transfer chamber and includes a pair of small-sized arm mechanisms stretchable and contractable horizontally. The small-sized arm mechanisms are disposed such that they can revolve horizontally and move up and down.
- Both systems described above are equipped with two substrate supporting units or two small-sized arm mechanisms, but their transfer efficiencies are not no satisfactory.
- It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a transfer device and a semiconductor processing system capable of improving transfer efficiency.
- In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a transfer device for use in a semiconductor processing system, including a first and a second actuation mechanism having a first and a second support section which are respectively movable in a common space on a first and a second vertical plane parallel with each other; a first and a second movable block supported by the first and the second support section so as to be moved while being maintained horizontally in the common space by the first and the second actuation mechanism, wherein the first and the second movable block are extended from the first and the second supporting unit toward the second and the first vertical plane, respectively, by passing through a vertical plane which is at a center between the first and the second vertical plane; a first and a second handling mechanism respectively disposed on the first and the second movable block and capable of being extended and contracted to handle substrates to be processed; and a controller for controlling operations of the first and the second actuation mechanism such that the first and the second movable block do not interfere with each other in the common space.
- In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a semiconductor processing system, including a transfer chamber having a plurality of ports for loading or unloading a substrate to be processed; at least one processing chamber, each processing chamber being connected to one of the plurality of ports, for performing a semiconductor processing on the substrate to be processed; and a transfer device, disposed in the transfer chamber, for loading or unloading the substrate to be processed via the plurality of ports, the transfer device having a first and a second actuation mechanism having a first and a second support section which are respectively movable in a common space on a first and a second vertical plane parallel with each other; a first and a second movable block supported by the first and the second support section so as to be moved while being maintained horizontally in the common space by the first and the second actuation mechanism, wherein the first and the second movable block are extended from the first and the second supporting unit toward the second and the first vertical plane, respectively, by passing through a vertical plane which is at a center between the first and the second vertical plane; a first and a second handling mechanism respectively disposed on the first and the second movable block and capable of being extended and contracted to handle substrates to be processed; and a controller for controlling operations of the first and the second actuation mechanism such that the first and the second movable block do not interfere with each other in the common space.
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FIG. 1 provides a perspective view for showing a portion of a semiconductor processing system having a transfer device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 illustrates a vertical cross sectional side view of the system depicted inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 describes a schematic plan view of the overall system depicted inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 offers a perspective view showing one example of a large-sized arm mechanism of the transfer device depicted inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 presents a perspective view showing one example of a small-sized arm mechanism of the transfer device depicted inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 6 sets forth a perspective view showing another example of the large-sized arm mechanism of the transfer device depicted inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 7 represents a cross sectional view showing a modified example of the system depicted inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view showing a semiconductor processing system having a transfer device in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 9 describes a cross sectional view showing a driving unit of the transfer device depicted inFIG. 8 ; -
FIG. 10 offers a perspective view showing a modified example of the system depicted inFIG. 8 ; -
FIG. 11 provides a perspective view showing a modified example of the system depicted inFIG. 10 ; -
FIG. 12 presents a schematic plan view showing a semiconductor processing system in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 13 sets forth a schematic plan view showing a semiconductor processing system in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 14 represents a perspective view showing a transfer device in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention; -
FIGS. 15A and 15B describe schematic side views showing a transfer device in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention; and -
FIG. 16 offers a perspective view showing a transfer device in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention. - Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate like parts having substantially identical functions and configurations and repeated description thereof will be made only when necessary.
-
FIG. 1 provides a perspective view for showing a portion of a semiconductor processing system having a transfer device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 2 illustrates a vertical cross sectional side view of the system depicted inFIG. 1 andFIG. 3 describes a schematic plan view showing the whole system depicted inFIG. 1 . - A semiconductor processing system 1 includes a common transfer chamber (referred to as a vacuum transfer chamber hereinafter) 3 which is formed of a
housing 2 extending in a horizontal X direction (a left-right direction inFIG. 3 ) and can be set to have a depressurized atmosphere therein. Disposed on four side surfaces of thevacuum transfer chamber 3 are a plurality (including different types) of processing chambers (vacuum processing chambers) 4 andload lock chambers 5 capable of being depressurized. The vacuum transfer chambers and/or theload lock chambers 5 are vertically disposed at multiple levels at at least one location around thevacuum transfer chamber 3. - Formed on the four side surfaces of the
transfer chamber 3 for therespective chambers ports vacuum processing chambers 4 and/or theload lock chambers 5 are disposed at multiple levels. Respectively disposed atports transfer chamber 3, and thevacuum processing chambers 4 and theload lock chambers 5. - Specifically, a multiplicity of, e.g., three, ports 7 is formed at a first height on a side surface (a first side surface) 6 a of the
vacuum transfer chamber 3. Thevacuum processing chamber 4 is connected to each port 7 via a gate valve G. Further, a multiplicity of, e.g., three,ports 8 is formed at a second height on another side surface (a second side surface) 6 b opposite to thefirst side surface 6 a. Thevacuum processing chamber 4 is also connected to eachport 8 via a gate valve G. - Depicted by solid lines in
FIG. 2 is a state where thevacuum processing chambers 4 on thefirst side surface 6 a of thevacuum transfer chamber 3 and those on thesecond side surface 6 b thereof are disposed at different heights (i.e., the corresponding ports are provided at different heights). As will be described later, the difference between the first height and the second height corresponds to the height difference between positions ofmovable blocks movable blocks sized arm mechanism sized arm mechanisms movable block 18A can be positioned either above or below themovable block 18B. - In other words, two transfer units are movably disposed in a length direction (the X direction) corresponding to the first and the second height in the
housing 2. Accordingly, transfer efficiency can be improved and control can be facilitated. Further, thevacuum transfer chambers 4 may not be necessarily disposed at different heights on the left and the right side surface of thevacuum transfer chamber 3. For example, as depicted by solid lines and imaginary lines inFIG. 2 , thevacuum processing chambers 4 can be disposed vertically at two levels on the left side surface and also at the same levels on the right side surface. - Plural, e.g., four,
ports 10 are formed vertically at multiple levels (plural levels) on one end of thevacuum transfer chamber 3, i.e., a front end surface (a third side surface adjoining the first side surface) 6 c. Aload lock chamber 5 is connected to eachport 10 via a gate valve G. A port 11 is formed at the first height on the other end of thevacuum transfer chamber 3, i.e., arear end surface 6 d. Thevacuum processing chamber 4 is connected to the port 11 via a gate valve G. - The semiconductor processing system 1 also includes an inlet side transfer chamber having a normal pressure atmosphere therein (also referred to as a normal pressure transfer chamber or an atmospheric transfer chamber) 13. The normal pressure transfer chamber is formed of a
housing 12 extended in a horizontal Y direction (an up-and-down direction inFIG. 3 ) running perpendicular to the X direction, and is connected to thevacuum transfer chamber 3 via theload lock chambers 5. The normalpressure transfer chamber 13 is used for transferring the semiconductor wafers W between the air side and thevacuum transfer chamber 3. - Thus, plural, e.g., four, ports for loading and unloading the wafers W are arranged horizontally on one side surface (a front surface) of the normal
pressure transfer chamber 13. Connected to each port is aload port device 15 for mounting thereon acassette 14 accommodating a number of wafers. Four ports are arranged vertically on another side surface (a back surface) of the normalpressure transfer chamber 13 and the above-mentionedload lock chambers 5 are connected thereto via gate valves G. Further, disposed at one end of the normalpressure transfer chamber 13 is anorienter 16 for performing a position aligning of the wafer. - A
transfer device 17 is disposed in each of thevacuum transfer chamber 3 and the normalpressure transfer chamber 13. Thetransfer device 17 in thevacuum transfer chamber 3 and the normalpressure transfer chamber 13 are substantially identical. Therefore, only thetransfer device 17 in thevacuum transfer chamber 3 will be described hereinafter, and a description for thetransfer device 17 in the normalpressure transfer chamber 13 will be omitted. - The
transfer device 17 has a first and a second large-sized arm mechanism (a first and a second actuation mechanism) 9A and 9B, one on the right and one on the left, each formed of a stretchable, contractable and revolvable vertical multi-joint type robot. The first and the second large-sized arm mechanism sized arm mechanism FIG. 2 ) running parallel to the X direction and parallel with each other in a common space formed by thevacuum transfer chamber 3. - Respectively supported at the leading ends of the first and the second large-
sized arm mechanism sized arm mechanism movable block sized arm mechanism movable block sized arm mechanism - A first and a second small-sized arm mechanism (a first and a second handling mechanism) 19A and 19B, which are stretchable and contractable, are disposed on the first and the second
movable block sized arm mechanism vacuum processing chambers 4 and theload lock chambers 5. The first and the second small-sized arm mechanism - The
transfer device 17 further has a control section (controller) 20 for controlling an operation thereof. Thecontrol section 20 controls operations of the first and the second large-sized arm mechanism movable block vacuum transfer chamber 3. That is, thecontrol section 20 manipulates the first and the secondmovable block - In this embodiment, the large-sized arm mechanism is employed to move the
movable blocks sized arm mechanisms sized arm mechanisms movable blocks - The first and the second large-
sized arm mechanism vacuum transfer chamber 3. Each of the first and the second large-sized arm mechanism base side arm 22 which is vertically revolvably connected to thebase 21 and anintermediate arm 23 which is vertically revolvably connected to a leading end of thebase side arm 22. A leading end of eachintermediate arm 23 functions as a support section of the movable block and a vertically standingportion 18 d formed as a single unit with themovable block - When the large-
sized arm mechanisms vacuum transfer chamber 3 due to its extensive length in the forward and backward direction, it is possible to make the base 21 movable in the X direction. In this case, as depicted by imaginary lines inFIG. 1 , rails 24 can be prepared on the floor of thevacuum transfer chamber 3 to enable the base 21 to be driven on therails 24 by a linear motor. - Further, each of the first and the second large-
sized arm mechanism common base 21. For example, at a position of a dashedline 25 at the center, thebase 21 can be divided into two parts on the right and the left for the large-sized arm mechanisms FIG. 1 , and the two parts can be made to move independently on the theirown rails 24. Consequently, wafers W can be transferred with a higher degree of freedom. -
FIG. 4 offers a perspective view showing an exemplary large-sized arm mechanism of the transfer device depicted inFIG. 1 . The large-sized arm mechanism 9A (9B) has anindividual base 21. At thebase 21, afirst driving unit 26 for vertically revolvably operating thebase side arm 22 is disposed. At a leading end of thebase side arm 22, asecond driving unit 27 for vertically revolvably driving theintermediate arm 23 is disposed. Disposed at a leading end of theintermediate arm 23 is athird driving unit 28 for vertically revolvably driving themovable block 18A. By stretching, contracting and revolving the large-sized arm mechanism 9A on the vertical plane, themovable block 18A can be moved in the Z direction (vertical direction) and the X direction while being maintained horizontally. -
FIG. 5 presents a perspective view showing an exemplary small-sized arm mechanism of the transfer device depicted inFIG. 1 . The small-sized arm mechanisms 19A (19B) has a rotatable table 31 which is rotatably disposed on themovable block 18A. Twomulti-joint arms 19S and 19T are disposed on the rotatable table 31. Each of themulti-joint arms 19S and 19T has a horizontally revolvablebase side arm 19 x; anintermediate arm 19 y which is horizontally revolvably connected to a leading end of thebase side arm 19 x; and a pick (a substrate supporting unit) 30 which is horizontally revolvably connected to a leading end of theintermediate arm 19 y. - Preferably, a
cover 32 is disposed on the rotatable table 31 is to accommodate thereunder themulti-joint arms 19S and 19T when they are contracted. Thecover 32 can protect wafers W from particles even in a case where the particles fall down when the positions of themovable blocks opening 33 is provided at thecover 32 so that themulti-joint arms 19S and 19T can stretch and contract horizontally. Theopening 33 may be provided with a shutter. - An analogue of the
multi-joint arms 19S and 19T is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-open Application No. 6-338554. In the present embodiment, twomulti-joint arms 19S and 19T are mounted on onemovable block 18A (18B) in order to exchange a processed wafer and an unprocessed wafer efficiently. However, only one multi-joint arm can be disposed on onemovable block 18A (18B). -
FIG. 6 sets forth a perspective view showing another exemplary large-sized arm mechanism of the transfer device depicted inFIG. 1 . The large-sized arm mechanism 9A (9B) has a parallel link structure. That is, the large-sized arm mechanism 9A (9B) has abase 21; a pair ofbase side arms intermediate arms base side arms base side arms link 36. Leading ends of the pair ofintermediate arms portion 18 d are formed as a single unit with themovable block 18A (18B) is vertically revolvably connected thereto. In this structure, the third driving unit 28 (seeFIG. 4 ) for horizontally controlling themovable block 18A (18B) becomes unnecessary since themovable block 18A (18B) is translated while being maintained horizontally. - In the structure shown in
FIG. 6 , a drivingunit 37 for a small-sized arm mechanism 19 is preferably disposed at the vertically standingportion 18 d of themovable block 18A (18B). By doing so, a thickness of themovable block 18A (18B) can be made thinner, so that a space efficiency can be improved in the transfer space inside thevacuum transfer chamber 3. It is preferable to arrange a harness of electric wires and cables for the drivingunits units arms - Hereinafter, there will be described an operation of the semiconductor processing system 1 shown in
FIG. 3 in a case where thevacuum processing chambers 4 are disposed at different heights at both sides of thevacuum transfer chambers 3 as described above. - First, an unprocessed wafer W is unloaded from a
cassette 14 mounted on aload port device 15 and then loaded in one of theload lock chambers 5 by using thetransfer device 17 disposed in the normalpressure transfer chamber 13. Particularly, the wafer W is handled by either one of twomulti-joint arms 19S and 19T disposed in the small-sized arm mechanism 19A (19B) supported by the large-sized arm mechanism 9A (9B). When a processed wafer W is in theload lock chamber 5, the processed wafer W is unloaded by the other one of themulti-joint arms 19S and 19T and then the unprocessed wafer is loaded into theload lock chamber 5. - After adjusting a pressure in the
load lock chamber 5, the unprocessed wafer W is unloaded from theload lock chamber 5 and then loaded into one of thevacuum processing chambers 4. At this time, thetransfer device 17 disposed in thevacuum transfer chamber 3 is used for the exchange of the processed wafer and the unprocessed wafer in thevacuum processing chamber 4 or the exchange of the unprocessed wafer and the processed wafer in theload lock chamber 5. Since twomulti-joint arms 19S and 19T are disposed in the small-sized arm mechanism 19A (19B) supported on the large-sized arm mechanism 9A (9B), an operation of exchanging wafers can be performed quickly by using both of themulti-joint arms 19S and 19T. - Hereinafter, there will be described in detail an operational example of the small-
sized arm mechanism 19A (19B) moving in the Z direction and the X direction by the large-sized arm mechanism 9A (9B) in thevacuum transfer chamber 3 shown inFIG. 1 . - The small-
sized arm mechanism 19A performs a transfer of the wafers W mainly between two upperload lock chambers 5 of the multi-levelload lock chambers 5 and thevacuum processing chambers 4 at the first height on thefirst side surface 6 a of the vacuum transfer chamber 3 (a first transfer route). The other small-sized arm mechanism 19B performs a transfer of wafers W mainly between two lowerload lock chambers 5 of the multi-levelload lock chambers 5 and thevacuum processing chambers 4 at the second height (lower than the first height) on thesecond side surface 6 b of the vacuum transfer chamber 3 (a second transfer route). - When performing the transfer of wafers W across the first and the second transfer route, the small-
sized arm mechanisms movable blocks movable blocks - Further, both of the small-
sized arm mechanisms sized arm mechanisms - Hereinafter, there will be described an operation of the semiconductor processing system 1 shown in
FIG. 3 in case where thevacuum processing chambers 4 are disposed vertically at two levels on both sides of thevacuum transfer chamber 3 as depicted by the imaginary lines inFIG. 2 . - In this case, the small-
sized arm mechanism 19A performs the transfer of wafers W between uppervacuum processing chambers 4 and upper load lock chambers 5 (the first transfer route). The other small-sized arm mechanism 19B performs the transfer of wafers W between lowervacuum processing chambers 4 and lower load lock chambers 5 (the second transfer route). In such a case, it is not necessary to vertically exchange the positions of the small-sized arm mechanisms - Further, when performing a transfer of wafers W between the
vacuum processing chambers 4 on thefirst side surface 6 a and thevacuum processing chambers 4 on thesecond side surface 6 b, the small-sized arm mechanism 19A (19B) is revolved and its stretching and contracting directions thereof are changed. And, when performing a transfer of wafers W across the first transfer route (the upper end side) and the second transfer route (the lower end side), each of the small-sized arm mechanisms -
FIG. 7 represents a cross sectional view showing a modified example of the system depicted inFIG. 1 . As described above, thevacuum processing chambers 4 can be disposed at different heights on both sides of thevacuum transfer chamber 3 and thebases 21 can be provided individually on the left and the right for the large-sized arm mechanism vacuum transfer chamber 3 can be disposed at a position between the ports of thevacuum processing chambers 4 of the first height and the ports of thevacuum processing chambers 4 of the second height, as shown inFIG. 7 . By doing so, it is possible to prevent a diffusion of contaminants between the vacuum processing chambers of the first height and those of the second height. Also in this case, the positions of the small-sized arm mechanisms -
FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view showing a semiconductor processing system having a transfer device in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 9 shows a cross sectional view of driving units of the transfer unit shown inFIG. 8 . - In such a semiconductor processing system 1, the
transfer device 17 is installed (by being offset) at a position close to one end in a length direction of thevacuum transfer chamber 3 in order to improve maintainability. Namely, a base portion of two large-sized arm mechanisms vacuum transfer chamber 3, e.g., a position close to aload lock chamber 5. Anopening 38, which can be opened or airtightly closed selectively by a maintenance door (not shown), is formed on one side surface (for example, a first side surface) of thevacuum transfer chamber 3. - The semiconductor processing system 1 further has a structure for making use of, at an upper part thereof, an increased stroke obtained by offsetting the base portion of the large-
sized arm mechanism 9A (9B). That is, anopening 39, which can be opened or airtightly closed selectively by a lid (not shown), is provided at the upper portion (a ceiling plate) of thevacuum transfer chamber 3. A curtain sensor (an area sensor) 39s is disposed at theopening 39. Further, if the large-sized arm mechanism 9A (9B) is made to have a margin in the stroke thereof, the opening can be employed even in a case where the base portion is not disposed at an offset position in thevacuum transfer chamber 3. - The
movable block 18A (18B) can be projected upward from theopening 39 by stretching the large-sized arm mechanism 9A (9B). By projecting themovable block 18A (18B) from theopening 39, it is possible to facilitate maintenance of themovable block 18A (18B) and the small-sized arm mechanism 19A (19B). Thecurtain sensor 39 s serves to give the alarm to operators by detecting their approach to theopening 39 in order to prevent the operators from getting into unintentional contact with themovable block 18A (18B) and the small-sized arm mechanism 19A (19B). - As shown in
FIG. 9 , the large-sized arm mechanisms vacuum transfer chamber 3 serving as a common fixed base portion. The revolving centers of the large-sized arm mechanisms units sized arm mechanisms units vacuum transfer chamber 3, it is possible to remove heat generation units (driving units) from a vacuum atmosphere which cannot readily dissipate the heat and at the same time it is also possible to improve maintainability. - Specifically, the
first driving unit 26A of the first large-sized arm mechanism 9A is attached to the lower sidewall 6 x. Arotation axis 40A of thefirst driving unit 26A is airtightly and rotatably inserted into thevacuum transfer chamber 3. Therotation axis 40A of thefirst driving unit 26A is a hollow axis. Thefirst driving unit 26B of the second large-sized arm mechanism 9B is attached to an outer side of thefirst driving unit 26A. Arotation axis 40B of thefirst driving unit 26B is airtightly and rotatably inserted through the inside of thehollow rotation axis 40A. -
FIG. 10 offers a perspective view showing a modified example of the system depicted inFIG. 8 . In this modified example, aceiling portion 6 y at one end side of thevacuum transfer chamber 3 is formed higher than aceiling portion 6 z at the other end side thereof. A sub-port 41 for loading and unloading wafers W is formed at an upper sidewall of the boundary between thehigher ceiling portion 6 y and thelower ceiling portion 6 z. Connected to the sub-port 41 via a gate valve (not shown) is a sub-module, for example, asub-processing chamber 42 for performing a preheating, a cooling or the like of wafer. Thesub-processing chamber 42 is disposed on thelower ceiling portion 6 z, so that a space can be used effectively. An upper space under thehigher ceiling portion 6 y is set to have dimensions capable of disposing the small-sized arm mechanism 19A (19B) thereat when the small-sized arm mechanism 19A (19B) accesses thesub-processing chamber 42. - Further, in the semiconductor processing system 1 shown in
FIG. 10 , autility duct 43 is disposed by making use of an empty space, so that space efficiency can be improved. Theduct 43 is formed of an angled pipe made of plastic or the like, and a bundle of pipes, wires and the like for utilities is inserted through the inside of theduct 43 to be protected. The pipes and wires for utilities include pipes or wires for electricity, water, nonreactive gas (e.g., nitrogen), dry air and the like supplied from a factory to the semiconductor processing system; and pipes for draining water, heat exhaust and the like from the semiconductor processing system to the factory. -
FIG. 11 provides a perspective view showing a modified example of the system depicted inFIG. 10 . In this modified example, a housing of thevacuum transfer chamber 3 has a configuration capable of being divided into a front portion and a rear portion. As described above, the base portion of the large-sized arm mechanisms vacuum transfer chamber 3. Accordingly, it becomes possible to divide the housing of thevacuum transfer chamber 3 into astandard portion 3A having the large-sized arm mechanisms optional portion 3B at the back. Theoptional portion 3B at the back can be selected from those of plural kinds having large and small sizes with varying the number of process modules connected thereto. -
FIGS. 12 and 13 present schematic plan views showing semiconductor processing systems in accordance with further preferred embodiments of the present invention. In the embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11, the small-sized arm mechanism 19A (19B) is revolvably disposed on themovable block 18A (18B). In contrast, the small-sized arm mechanism 19A (19B) does not make a revolving movement in the embodiments shown inFIGS. 12 and 13 . Thetransfer devices 17 shown inFIGS. 12 and 13 are identical to that shown inFIG. 1 excepting that the small-sized arm mechanism 19A (19B) thereof does not make a revolving movement. - In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 12 ,vacuum processing chambers 4 and loadlock chambers 5 are disposed only at one side of avacuum transfer chamber 3. Thevacuum processing chambers 4 and theload lock chambers 5 are disposed at multiple levels at at least one location around thevacuum transfer chamber 3. The small-sized arm mechanism 19A (19B) is movable in the X direction, i.e., the length direction of the transfer chamber, and the Z direction by the large-sized arm mechanism 9A (9B) shown inFIG. 1 , for example. Further, the small-sized arm mechanism 19A (19B) is stretchable and contractable in the Y direction running perpendicular to the X direction. - As depicted in
FIG. 12 , both the small-sized arm mechanisms vacuum processing chambers 4 and theload lock chambers 5 by stretching in a same Y direction. And, the small-sized arm mechanism 19A (19B) performs a transfer of wafers W between thevacuum processing chambers 4 and theload lock chambers 5. Although thetransfer device 17 has a structure simpler than that shown inFIG. 1 , it is appropriate to a small-sized semiconductor processing system 1 as illustrated inFIG. 12 . - In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 13 ,vacuum processing chambers 4 and loadlock chambers 5 are disposed at both sides of avacuum transfer chamber 3. Thevacuum processing chambers 4 and theload lock chambers 5 are disposed at multiple levels at at least one location of each side of thevacuum transfer chamber 3. The small-sized arm mechanism 19A (19B) is movable in the X direction, i.e., the length direction of the transfer chamber, and the Z direction by the large-sized arm mechanism 9A (9B) shown inFIG. 1 , for example. Further, the small-sized arm mechanism 19A (19B) is stretchable and contractable in the Y direction running perpendicular to the X direction. - As depicted in
FIG. 13 , both of the small-sized arm mechanisms vacuum processing chambers 4 and theload lock chambers 5 by stretching in opposite Y directions. And, the small-sized arm mechanism 19A (19B) performs a transfer of wafers W between thevacuum processing chambers 4 and theload lock chambers 5 at either one of the sides of thevacuum transfer chamber 3. Although thetransfer device 17 has a structure simpler than that shown inFIG. 1 , it is appropriate for use in a semiconductor processing system 1 as illustrated inFIG. 13 , where a processing sequence for the wafers W is somewhat limited. -
FIG. 14 represents a perspective view showing a transfer device in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Thetransfer device 17 has afirst base 21A and asecond base 21B independently moving in the X direction onrails second base second elevation mechanism second elevation mechanism - A first and a second movable block (a first and a second base portion) 18A and 18B are respectively supported on the leading ends of the first and the
second elevation mechanism second elevation mechanism movable block second elevation mechanism movable block second elevation mechanism - A first and a second small-sized arm mechanism (a first and a second handling mechanism) 19A and 19B, which are stretchable and contractable, are disposed on the first and the second
movable block sized arm mechanism - The
transfer device 17 further has a control section (a controller) 20 for controlling an operation thereof. Thecontrol section 20 controls operations of the first and thesecond base second elevation mechanism movable block transfer chamber 50. That is, thecontrol section 20 manipulates the first and the secondmovable block -
FIGS. 15A and 15B describe schematic side views showing a transfer device in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. The transfer device employs multi-joint arms instead of theelevation mechanisms FIG. 14 .FIG. 15A presents a state where themovable block 18A (18B) is moved down; andFIG. 15B presents a state where themovable block 18A (18B) is moved up. Remaining portions of the transfer device can be configured in the same manner shown inFIG. 14 . - The
transfer device 17 shown inFIGS. 15A and 15B has abase 21A (21B) moving on arail 24A (24B). Abase side arm 22 is vertically revolvably connected to thebase 21A (21B). Anintermediate arm 23 is vertically revolvably connected to a leading end of thebase side arm 22. Amovable block 18A (18B) is vertically revolvably connected to a leading end of theintermediate arm 23 while being maintained horizontally. The multi-joint arm stretches and contracts such that themovable block 18A (18B) moves only vertically. Also in this embodiment, the first and the secondmovable block -
FIG. 16 offers a perspective view showing a transfer device in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 15B, the base or the base portion of the transfer device is disposed on or near the floor of the transfer chamber. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 16 , however, a base (a base portion) 21 is disposed on a ceiling of a transfer chamber (a vacuum transfer chamber or a normal pressure transfer chamber) 50. The transfer device depicted inFIG. 16 has the same structure as thetransfer device 17 shown inFIG. 1 excepting that it is upside down. That is, a first and a second large-sized arm mechanisms sized arm mechanisms movable blocks - Similarly, in case of the transfer device of the type shown in
FIG. 8 or the transfer device of the type shown inFIG. 14 , the base or the base portion thereof may also be disposed at a ceiling side such that actuation mechanisms of movable blocks stretch downward. Further, if necessary, it is possible to combine an actuation mechanism of a movable block with its base or base portion disposed at a floor side and an actuation mechanism of a movable block with its base or base portion disposed at a ceiling side. - As described above, semiconductor wafers can be transferred reliably and efficiently through the use of the transfer device and the semiconductor processing systems in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention. For example, two small-sized arm mechanisms (handling mechanisms) 19A and 19B can be disposed at locations having a same coordinate in the X coordinate but with different coordinates in the Z direction (vertical direction), if necessary. Also in such a case, each of the small-
sized arm mechanism - Further, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated preferred embodiments, and various changes and modifications may be without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, in addition to a wafer, a LCD substrate can be used as a substrate. Further, a small-sized arm mechanism (a handling mechanism) may be implemented with a plurality of linearly slidable arms in lieu of a multi-joint arm. In this case, by moving each arm forward and backward, it is possible to extend and retract a substrate supporting unit at a leading end thereof.
- In accordance with the present invention, a transfer device and a semiconductor processing system capable of improving transfer efficiency are provided.
Claims (24)
1. A transfer device for use in a semiconductor processing system, comprising:
a first and a second actuation mechanism having a first and a second support section which are respectively movable in a common space on a first and a second vertical plane parallel with each other;
a first and a second movable block supported by the first and the second support section so as to be moved while being maintained horizontally in the common space by the first and the second actuation mechanism, wherein the first and the second movable block are extended from the first and the second supporting unit toward the second and the first vertical plane, respectively, by passing through a vertical plane which is at a center between the first and the second vertical plane;
a first and a second handling mechanism respectively disposed on the first and the second movable block and capable of being extended and contracted to handle substrates to be processed; and
a controller for controlling operations of the first and the second actuation mechanism such that the first and the second movable block do not interfere with each other in the common space.
2. The transfer device of claim 1 , wherein the first and the second actuation mechanism have a common base movable in an X direction horizontally running parallel to the first and the second vertical plane.
3. The transfer device of claim 2 , wherein the first and the second actuation mechanism respectively have a first and a second vertically driving mechanism, which are supported on the common base and vertically move the first and the second movable block, respectively.
4. The transfer device of claim 3 , wherein the first and the second vertically driving mechanism respectively have a first and a second multi-joint arm.
5. The transfer device of claim 1 , wherein the first and the second actuation mechanism respectively have a first and a second base; and a first and a second vertically driving mechanism respectively supported on the first and the second base, the first and the second base being individually movable in an X direction horizontally running parallel to the first and the second vertical plane and the first and the second vertically driving mechanism vertically moving the first and the second movable block, respectively.
6. The transfer device of claim 5 , wherein the first and the second vertically driving mechanism respectively have a first and a second reciprocator.
7. The transfer device of claim 5 , wherein the first and the second vertically driving mechanism respectively have a first and a second multi-joint arm.
8. The transfer device of claim 1 , wherein the first and the second actuation mechanism respectively have a first and a second multi-joint arm revolvably supported.
9. The transfer device of claim 8 , wherein each of the first and the second multi-joint arm is revolvably supported on a fixed base portion.
10. The transfer device of claim 9 , wherein revolving centers of the first and the second multi-joint arm are disposed coaxially.
11. The transfer device of claim 1 , wherein each of the first and the second handling mechanism has a handling arm being extended and contracted horizontally and a member for rotating the handling arm on a horizontal plane.
12. The transfer device of claim 11 , wherein rotation centers of the first and the second handling mechanism are disposed on the vertical plane which is at the center between the first and the second vertical plane.
13. The transfer device of claim 1 , further comprising a transfer chamber forming the common space, wherein the transfer chamber includes a plurality of ports for loading or unloading the substrate to be processed by using the first and the second handling mechanism and the plurality of ports have a first and a second port arranged vertically.
14. The transfer device of claim 13 , further comprising a first and a second load lock chamber for performing pressure control and respectively connected to the first and the second port.
15. The transfer device of claim 14 , further comprising at least one load port device, each load port device being connected to one of the plurality of ports, and mounting thereon a cassette accommodating a multiplicity of substrates to be processed.
16. The transfer device of claim 14 , wherein at least one of the plurality of ports is connected to a vacuum processing chamber for performing a semiconductor process on the substrate to be processed and the transfer chamber can be set to have a depressurized atmosphere.
17. The transfer device of claim 13 , wherein the plurality of ports are disposed only at one side of the transfer chamber and the first and the second handling mechanism extend in a same Y direction, which is a horizontal direction perpendicular to the first and the second vertical plane, to access the plurality of ports.
18. The transfer device of claim 13 , wherein the plurality of ports are disposed at two sides of the transfer chamber and the first and the second handling mechanism extend in opposite Y directions, which are horizontal directions perpendicular to the first and the second vertical plane, to access the plurality of ports.
19. The transfer device of claim 13 , wherein the first and the second actuation mechanism respectively include a first and a second multi-joint arm revolvably supported on a fixed base portion and having coaxially disposed revolving centers, the revolving centers being disposed at a location offset toward one side from a center of the transfer chamber.
20. A semiconductor processing system, comprising:
a transfer chamber having a plurality of ports for loading or unloading a substrate to be processed;
at least one processing chamber, each processing chamber being connected to one of the plurality of ports, for performing a semiconductor processing on the substrate to be processed; and
a transfer device, disposed in the transfer chamber, for loading or unloading the substrate to be processed via the plurality of ports,
the transfer device including:
a first and a second actuation mechanism having a first and a second support section which are respectively movable in a common space on a first and a second vertical plane parallel with each other;
a first and a second movable block supported by the first and the second support section so as to be moved while being maintained horizontally in the common space by the first and the second actuation mechanism, wherein the first and the second movable block are extended from the first and the second supporting unit toward the second and the first vertical plane, respectively, by passing through a vertical plane which is at a center between the first and the second vertical plane;
a first and a second handling mechanism respectively disposed on the first and the second movable block and capable of being extended and contracted to handle substrates to be processed; and
a controller for controlling operations of the first and the second actuation mechanism such that the first and the second movable block do not interfere with each other in the common space.
21. The semiconductor processing system of claim 20 , wherein the plurality of ports include a first and a second port arranged vertically and the system further comprises a first and a second load lock, respectively connected to the first and the second port, for performing pressure control.
22. The semiconductor processing system of claim 20 , wherein the processing chamber is a vacuum processing chamber and the transfer chamber can be set to have a depressurized atmosphere.
23. The semiconductor processing system of claim 20 , wherein a ceiling plate of the transfer chamber is provided with an opening which is selectively opened in order to project upward at least one of the first and the second movable block.
24. The semiconductor processing system of claim 20 , further comprising:
an upper space formed, by installing a first portion of a ceiling of the transfer chamber higher than a second portion thereof, under the first portion, wherein at least one of the first and the second handling mechanism can be disposed in the upper space and a sub-port for loading or unloading the substrate to be processed is formed on an upper sidewall defining a side portion of the upper space; and
a sub-processing chamber disposed on the second portion of the ceiling of the transfer chamber and connected to the transfer chamber via the sub-port, wherein the transfer device loads or unloads the substrate to be processed in or from the sub-processing chamber via the sub-port.
Priority Applications (1)
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JP2003045848A JP4283559B2 (en) | 2003-02-24 | 2003-02-24 | Conveying apparatus, vacuum processing apparatus, and atmospheric pressure conveying apparatus |
PCT/JP2004/002004 WO2004075286A1 (en) | 2003-02-24 | 2004-02-20 | Transfer device and semiconductor processing system |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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WO2004075286A1 (en) | 2004-09-02 |
CN100397608C (en) | 2008-06-25 |
CN1698191A (en) | 2005-11-16 |
KR20050105226A (en) | 2005-11-03 |
KR100765559B1 (en) | 2007-10-09 |
US20120201634A1 (en) | 2012-08-09 |
US8562275B2 (en) | 2013-10-22 |
JP2004265947A (en) | 2004-09-24 |
KR100810162B1 (en) | 2008-03-06 |
KR20070074633A (en) | 2007-07-12 |
JP4283559B2 (en) | 2009-06-24 |
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