Patent ID: 6319329
Filing Date: 2001-11-20
Classification: B08B,H01L,Y10S

Abstract:
A cleaning method of cleaning an object to be processed by using an apparatus includinga processing bath for storing processing liquid in which said object is immersed, said processing bath having an upper portion defining an upper opening,a drying chamber enclosed with a case arranged above said processing bath, said case having a lower portion defining a lower opening connected with said upper opening between said case of said drying chamber and said processing bath, anda transporting mechanism having:a holder for holding said object to be treated,a rod provided with said holder and extending through a hole which is formed at an upper portion of said case of said drying chamber,an air gripping seal provided between an outer surface of said rod and a region of said drying chamber defining the hole, anda driver provided with said rod and moving said rod in order to move said object between said processing bath and said drying chamber,said cleaning method comprising the steps of:(a) replacing an atmosphere in said drying chamber with inert gas;(b) bringing an object from an external environment into said drying chamber;(c) transporting said object from said drying chamber into said processing bath disposed below said drying chamber through said lower opening formed in said drying chamber while holding said object by said holder;(d) storing said processing liquid in said processing bath before or after transporting said object from said drying chamber into said processing bath and subsequently immersing said object in said processing liquid;(e) cleaning said object in said processing liquid;(f) transporting said object from said processing bath into said drying chamber;(g) filling said drying chamber with an atmosphere of organic solvent and drying said object therewith;(h) wherein said air gripping seal is in a deflated state in steps (c) and (f) in order to move said rod through said hole formed at the upper portion of said case; and(i) wherein said air gripping seal is in an inflated state a gap between said outer surface of said rod and said region of said drying chamber defining the hole.