Patent ID: 8083456
Filing Date: 2011-12-27
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A transfer system for a contained object that transfers the contained object between a container and a processing chamber in which processing is performed on the contained object, the container being capable of containing the contained object therein and including a main unit in a substantially box-like shape having an opening on one face thereof and a cap capable of being separated from the main unit and closing the opening to form a sealed space together with the main unit, and the cap being removed from the container to open the opening so that the contained object is able to be taken out of and put into the container, the transfer system comprising: a placing base on which the container is placed; a first chamber that is disposed adjacent to the placing base and includes a first opening portion facing the container placed on the placing base; a first door capable of closing the first opening portion and holding the cap of the container; a fan filter unit for supplying an air down flow of clean air into the first chamber disposed above the first chamber; a first inert-gas supply system disposed above the first chamber independently from the fan filter unit for supplying a first inert gas down flow of inert gas into the first chamber; a first discharge system capable of discharging gas existing in the first chamber; a second chamber that is disposed adjacent to the first chamber, capable of connecting to the first chamber via a second opening portion, and capable of connecting to the processing chamber via a third opening portion; a second door capable of closing the second opening portion; a second inert-gas supply system for supplying a second inert gas down flow of inert gas into the second chamber; a second discharge system capable of discharging gas existing in the second chamber; a transfer robot that is disposed in the second chamber and transfers the contained object between an inside of the container and the processing chamber; and a control apparatus that controls the fan filter unit and the first inert-gas supply system, and detects whether the container is placed on the placing base or not, wherein the control apparatus causes the fan filter unit to supply the air down flow into the first chamber in a state that the container is not placed on the placing base, and the control apparatus causes the fan filter unit to stop supplying the air down flow and causes the first inert-gas supply system to supply the inert gas down flow into the first chamber upon detecting a state that the container is placed on the placing base.