METHOD, SYSTEM, AND APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING WAFER

A wafer processing method is provided. The method includes preparing a wafer having a notch portion at one side thereof, aligning the wafer by analyzing image information of the notch portion captured by a vision camera, and processing the notch portion using a notch wheel so that a certain region of the notch portion has a preset thickness.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to wafer processing methods, systems, and apparatus.

BACKGROUND ART

When device formation is completed, wafers undergo a back grinding process to reduce a thickness by working a lower surface thereof. Because wafers that have undergone the back grinding process become thinner, the number of stacked wafer layers may increase. This is connected to performance improvement of semiconductor.

However, in the related art case, the thickness of wafers becomes too thin during the back grinding process, resulting in damage to wafers. In particular, a notch portion formed for wafer alignment may be damaged during the back grinding process.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Technical Problem

Embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to provide a wafer processing method, system, and device for preventing damage to a wafer during a back grinding process by processing a notch portion of a wafer.

Technical Solution to Problem

An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a wafer processing method including preparing a wafer having a notch portion formed at one side, aligning the wafer, and processing the notch portion so that a certain region of the notch portion has a preset thickness using a notch wheel.

Advantageous Effects of Disclosure

The wafer processing method, system, and device according to embodiments of the present disclosure process the notch portion of the wafer before a back grinding process, thereby preventing damage to the wafer that occurs during the back grinding process.

In addition, the wafer processing method, system, and device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure allow the center of a notch wheel to be located outside a wafer during processing of a notch portion, thereby performing stable and precise processing of the notch portion.

In addition, the wafer processing method, system, and device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may prevent recognition errors by forming an inclined surface in a notch portion of a wafer and using the inclined surface as an alignment mark in a subsequent process.

BEST MODE

An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a wafer processing method including preparing a wafer having a notch portion at one side thereof, aligning the wafer, and processing the notch portion using a notch wheel so that a certain region of the notch portion has a preset thickness.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the wafer processing method may further include analyzing image information of the notch portion and extracting edge information of the notch portion and setting a processing path of the notch wheel using the extracted edge information and previously planned notch processing information, wherein, in the processing of the notch portion, the notch portion is processed so that the certain region of the notch portion has the preset thickness by controlling the notch wheel to move the set processing path.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the wafer processing method may further include, before the processing of the notch portion, identifying whether an existing notch wheel is mounted at one end of a spindle, when the existing notch wheel is mounted, removing the existing notch wheel by moving the spindle to a preset zone, identifying whether the existing notch wheel is removed from one end of the spindle, and moving the spindle to a cassette unit storing a plurality of new notch wheels and mounting one of the plurality of new notch wheels at one end of the spindle, wherein, in the processing of the notch portion, the notch portion is processed so that the certain region of the notch portion has the preset thickness by moving the spindle on which the new notch wheel is mounted to the notch portion of the wafer.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the wafer processing method may further include, before the processing of the notch portion, determining whether to replace the existing notch wheel at one end of the spindle, when it is determined to replace the existing notch wheel, removing the existing notch wheel from the spindle and mounting a new notch wheel, measuring a first length from one end of the spindle to an end of the new notch wheel using a check sensor unit, and correcting processing position information of the existing notch wheel using the first length, wherein, in the processing of the notch portion, the notch portion is processed so that the certain region of the notch portion of the wafer has the preset thickness by controlling the new notch wheel according to the corrected processing position information.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the wafer processing method may further include supplying cleaning water by a wafer cleaning nozzle and cleaning the wafer, wherein the wafer cleaning nozzle includes a first nozzle tip including a gas inlet and a gas outlet and a second nozzle tip including a cleaning water inlet and a cleaning water outlet, and wherein the gas outlet communicates with cleaning water outlet.

An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a wafer processing system including a support table on which a wafer having a notch portion at one side is seated, an alignment device acquiring image information of the notch portion using a vision camera imaging the notch portion of the wafer seated on the support table and aligning the wafer by analyzing the acquired image information of the notch portion, and a notch processing device including a notch wheel processing the notch portion so that a certain region of the notch portion has a preset thickness and a spindle having one end at which the notch wheel is rotatably mounted.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the wafer processing system may further include a controller extracting edge information of the notch portion by analyzing the image information of the notch portion, setting a processing path of the notch wheel using the extracted edge information and previously planned notch processing information, and controlling the notch wheel to move along the set processing path.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the wafer processing system may further include an edge processing device including an edge wheel processing the portion of the wafer so that a certain region of the edge portion has a second thickness, and a second spindle having one end at which the edge wheel is mounted to be rotatable about a second rotation axis.

An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a wafer processing device including a notch wheel processing a notch portion of a wafer so that a certain region of the notch portion has a preset thickness and a spindle having one end at which the notch wheel is rotatably mounted.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a diameter of the notch wheel may be greater than a width of the certain region of the notch portion to be processed.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the notch wheel may include a slit portion formed to divide a processing portion of the notch wheel including a processing surface in contact with the wafer into two or more parts.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the notch wheel may include a first processing portion having a first diameter and a second processing portion having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, located at one end of the first processing portion, and protruding outwardly from one end of the first processing portion.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second processing portion may have a tapered surface inclined with respect to one end surface of the first processing portion.

Other aspects, features, and advantages than those described above will become apparent from the following drawings, claims and detailed description of the invention.

MODE OF DISCLOSURE

Hereinafter, the following embodiments are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and when describing with reference to the drawings, the same or corresponding components are given the same reference numerals, and redundant description thereof are omitted.

The present embodiments may be variously modified, so specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. Effects and characteristics of the present embodiments, and methods for achieving them are apparent with reference to the details described below in conjunction with the drawings. However, the present embodiments are not limited to the embodiments described below and may be implemented in various forms.

In the following embodiments, terms, such as first and second are used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another component, rather than in a limiting sense.

In the following embodiments, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

In the following embodiments, terms such as “including” or “having” means that the features or components described in the specification are present, and do not preclude the possibility that one or more other features or components are added.

In the following embodiments, it will be understood that when a portion, such as a unit, region, component, etc. is referred to as being on or above another portion, it may be directly on the other portion or intervening elements may also be present.

In the following embodiments, terms, such as “connect” or “couple” do not necessarily mean direct and/or fixed connection or coupling of two members unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, and does not exclude that another member is present between the two members.

Terms such as “including” or “having” means that the features or components described in the specification are present, and do not preclude the possibility that one or more other features or components will be added.

In the drawings, the size of components may be exaggerated or reduced for convenience of description. For example, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily indicated for convenience of description, so the following embodiments are not limited thereto.

FIG.1is a schematic diagram of a wafer processing system10according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.2is a block diagram of the wafer processing system10ofFIG.1.

Referring toFIGS.1and2, the wafer processing system10according to an embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a system for processing a wafer, and more particularly, to a system for improving a process yield of a wafer by trimming or cutting a notch portion before a back grinding process of reducing a thickness of the wafer.

The wafer processing system10according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a transfer device110, an alignment device120, a notch processing device130, an edge processing device140, and a controller150. In addition, the wafer processing system10may further include an automatic tool replacing device160, an inspection device170, and a cleaning device180.

The transfer device110transfers a wafer W carried in from the outside to the notch processing device130or the edge processing device140, and when the processing is completed, the transfer device110performs a function of carrying out the wafer W to the outside of the system10after a cleaning process.

The transfer device110may include a transfer robot111, a pre-aligner113, a picker115and a support table117.

The transfer robot111performs a function of supporting a wafer carried in from the outside (or an in loader port) and transferring the wafer to the pre-aligner113. In addition, the transfer robot111may perform a function of carrying out the processed wafer to the outside (or an out loader port) after the wafer is cleaned. The transfer robot111may have a structure for transferring wafers, and may include, for example, a robot arm structure having a plurality of degrees of freedom.

The wafer delivered by the transfer robot111may be primarily aligned by the pre-aligner113and then placed on the support table117through the picker115. For example, the pre-aligner113may identify a position of a notch portion formed at one side of the wafer and align the wafer based on the notch portion. The pre-aligner113performs a function of primarily aligning the position of the wafer delivered by the transfer robot111, and a more sophisticated aligning function may be performed through the alignment device120.

The support table117serves to support the wafer during processing. The support table117may further include a separate fixing member (not shown) to stably support the wafer. For example, the support table117may adsorb and support the wafer using a plurality of adsorption holes (not shown). Alternatively, the support table117may mechanically support the wafer using a clamp (not shown).

The support table117may move or rotate the wafer in three dimensions, while supporting the wafer.

The alignment device120may acquire image information of the notch portion using a vision camera123(refer toFIG.7). The alignment device120may further include a lighting unit121(refer toFIG.7). That is, the alignment device120irradiates light toward the wafer using the lighting unit121(refer toFIG.7) disposed below the wafer, and in this state, the alignment device120may acquire image information of the notch portion by the vision camera123(refer toFIG.7).

In this case, a portion in which the wafer is present may block light to be expressed as being dark, and a portion in which the wafer is not present due to the formation of the notch portion may allow light to be transmitted therethrough and be expressed brightly. The image information of the notch portion acquired by the alignment device120may include edge line information of the notch portion distinguished through light and shade.

In addition, the alignment device120may measure a plurality of points on the wafer seated on the support table117using the vision camera123(refer toFIG.7) and identify a deviation of a center point of the wafer from a rotation axis of the support table117in advance therethrough. Alternatively, the alignment device120may identify a position of the notch processing device130or the edge processing device140in advance using the vision camera123(refer toFIG.7).

The notch processing device130may be located at one side of the wafer processing system10and may be movable toward the wafer seated on the support table117. The notch processing device130may process the notch portion formed in the wafer to reduce a thickness of the notch portion (trimming) or cut (cutting) at least a portion of the notch portion.

The notch processing device130may include a notch wheel131(refer toFIG.9), a first spindle133(refer toFIG.9), and a first support plate135. A notch processing method of the notch processing device130is described below.

The edge processing device140may be disposed at one side of the wafer processing system10and may be movable toward the wafer seated on the support table117. The edge processing device140performs a function of processing an edge portion of the wafer. The edge processing device140may configured as a single device or may be provided as a plurality of edge processing devices140to process the edge of the wafer. For example, as shown inFIG.16, the edge processing device140may include two processing devices arranged to face each other to process the edge of a wafer.

The edge processing device140may include an edge wheel141(refer toFIG.16), a second spindle143(refer toFIG.16), and a second support plate145. The edge processing method of the edge processing device140is described below.

The controller150may control each component of the wafer processing system10so that the wafer processing system10processes the wafer. The controller150may acquire movement information or image information from each component, and may control each component using the acquired information. The controller150may include a processor for performing a process.

Here, the processor may be configured to process instructions of a computer program by performing basic arithmetic, logic, and input/output operations. The instructions may be provided to the processor by a memory or receiver. For example, the processor may be configured to execute instructions received according to program codes stored in a recording device, such as a memory. Here, the ‘processor’ may refer to a data processing device embedded in hardware having a physically structured circuit to perform functions expressed by codes or instructions included in a program, for example.

The data processing device embedded in the hardware may include, for example, a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), a processor core, a multiprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA), but the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

The automatic tool replacing device160may automatically replace the notch wheel131according to a state of the notch wheel131, by interworking with the notch processing device130. In addition, the automatic tool replacing device160may perform a function of automatically replacing the edge wheel141according to the state of the edge wheel141of the edge processing device140.

The inspection device170may identify a state of the notch wheel131of the notch processing device130or a state of the edge wheel141of the edge processing device140, analyze the presence or absence of abnormality or the degree of deterioration, and determine whether the notch wheel131or the edge wheel141needs to be replaced.

The cleaning device180performs a function of cleaning the wafer that has been processed by the notch processing device130or the edge processing device140. The cleaning device180may include a first cleaning unit183cleaning an upper surface of the wafer and a second cleaning unit181cleaning a lower surface of the wafer opposite to the upper surface.

Here, the upper surface of the wafer may be a surface on which semiconductor devices are formed, and may be a surface on which notch processing or edge processing is performed. The lower surface of the wafer may be a reverse surface opposite to one surface, and may be a surface on which a back grinding process is performed to reduce a thickness of the wafer.

The order of cleaning the upper and lower surfaces of the wafer by the cleaning device180is not limited, but in an embodiment, the upper surface on which the notch trimming process and the edge process are performed may be first cleaned, the wafer may be turned over, and the lower surface of the wafer on which the back grinding process is performed may then be cleaned. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the cleaning device180may include only the second cleaning unit181cleaning the lower surface of the wafer, and clean the lower surface of the reversed wafer after the notch trimming process and the edge process are completed. In this case, the upper surface of the wafer may be cleaned through polishing water supplied during the notch trimming process or the edge process.

Hereinafter, the cleaning device180of the wafer processing system10is described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG.3is a flowchart of a wafer processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Also,FIG.4shows a path of a nozzle1802for cleaning one surface of a wafer W according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in whichFIG.4ashows the nozzle1802that makes a reciprocating turning motion andFIG.4bshows the nozzle1802that makes a reciprocating rectilinear motion. Also,FIG.5is a diagram illustrating a nozzle1800according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in whichFIG.5Ais a cross-sectional view of the nozzle1800, andFIG.5Bis an exploded perspective view of the nozzle1800.

An operation of cleaning the wafer W using the cleaning device180is one operation of wafer processing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and may be configured to prepare a wafer having a notch portion formed at one side thereof, processing the notch portion so that a certain region of the notch portion has a preset thickness, and clean the wafer by supplying cleaning water.

The cleaning device may include the nozzle1800supplying cleaning water to the wafer W, and one or more nozzles1800may be provided. As cleaning water supplied through the nozzle1800, polishing water supplied during the notch trimming process or the edge process may be used.

Among the nozzles1800, a certain nozzle1801may be prepared to supply cleaning water to a notch portion N from the inside of the wafer W to the outside or from the outside of the wafer W to the inside, to clean the notch portion N.

Also, while the nozzle1801supplies cleaning water to the notch portion N or before or after the nozzle1801supplies cleaning water to the notch portion N, another nozzle1802may further supply cleaning toward one surface of the wafer W in order to clean one surface of the wafer W. At this time, the nozzle1802supplying cleaning water toward one surface of the wafer W may be configured to supply cleaning water, while reciprocating on the wafer W.

For example, as shown inFIG.4a, when the arm1802ais pivotally rotated in a certain region on the wafer W around an arm support shaft1802b, the nozzle1802supplying cleaning water toward one surface of the wafer W may be configured such that one end thereof is fixed to the other end of the arm1802acoupled to the arm support shaft1802band makes a reciprocating turning motion, while drawing an arc in a region between the center of the wafer W and an outer circumference. At this time, the arm support shaft1802bmay be connected to a motor (not shown) for rotating the arm support shaft1802b.

Alternatively, as shown inFIG.4b, the nozzle1802supplying cleaning water toward one surface of the wafer W may be installed to reciprocate in a girder1802clocated to be apart from the water W and traverse from the center of the wafer W to the outer circumference thereof and makes a reciprocating rectilinear motion in a region between the center of the wafer W and the outer circumference. In this case, the nozzle1802may be drivably connected to a servomotor (not shown) driven by electricity or hydraulic pressure.

In this manner, when the nozzle1801supplying cleaning water toward the notch portion N and the nozzle1802supplying cleaning water toward the one surface of the wafer W are provided together in the cleaning device, the controller of the processing system may be configured to control driving of the nozzles1801and1802so that the nozzles1801and1802may clean the wafer W without causing interference with each other.

The nozzles1801and1802may be provided in at least one of the first cleaning unit183cleaning the upper surface of the wafer W and the second cleaning unit181cleaning the lower surface of the wafer W.

Meanwhile, as the nozzle1800, at least one of the nozzles1801supplying cleaning water to the notch portion N and the nozzle1802reciprocating on the wafer W and supplying cleaning water toward one surface of the wafer W may include a first nozzle tip1810and a second nozzle tip1820, as shown inFIG.5. The first nozzle tip1810and the second nozzle tip1820may be integrally manufactured, or the first nozzle tip1810and the second nozzle tip1820, which are separately manufactured, may be coupled to form the single nozzle1800.FIG.5Ais a cross-sectional view of the nozzle1800according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the first nozzle tip1810may include a gas inlet1811aand a gas outlet1811b, and a gas flow path1811ccommunicating between the gas inlet1811aand the gas outlet1811b.

The second nozzle tip1820may include a cleaning water inlet1821aand a cleaning water outlet1821b, and a cleaning water flow path1821ccommunicating between the cleaning water inlet1821aand the cleaning water outlet1821b.

In addition, the second nozzle tip1820may include a mixed fluid inlet1823a, a mixed fluid outlet1823b, and a mixed fluid flow path1823ccommunicating between the mixed fluid inlet1823aand the mixed fluid outlet1823b.

The nozzle1800may be configured such that the gas outlet1811b, cleaning water outlet1821b, and the mixed fluid inlet1823acommunicate with each other. For example, the second nozzle tip1820may include an accommodating portion1822surrounding a portion of an outer circumferential surface of the first nozzle tip1810, and the gas outlet1811b, the cleaning water outlet1821b, and the mixed fluid inlet1823amay communicate with the accommodating portion1822.

FIG.5Bis an exploded perspective view of the nozzle1800according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the first nozzle tip1810and the second nozzle tip1820are separately manufactured and coupled, the first nozzle tip1810and the second nozzle tip1820may be coupled to form the nozzle1800. At this time, in a state in which at least a portion of the first nozzle tip1810is inserted into an accommodating recess formed at one side of the second nozzle tip1820, the first nozzle tip1810may be coupled to the second nozzle tip1820. Also, the accommodating portion1822may be provided between the first nozzle tip1810and the second nozzle tip1820as a portion of the accommodating recess.

Referring to flow of gas and cleaning water flowing into the nozzle1800, first, cleaning water flowing into cleaning water inlet1821amay be discharged to cleaning water outlet1821bthrough cleaning water flow path1821cand then flow into the accommodating portion1822. Also, gas introduced into the gas inlet1811amay be discharged to the gas outlet1811bthrough the gas flow path1811cand then introduced into the accommodating portion1822. The gas and cleaning water introduced into the accommodating portion1822may be mixed in the accommodating portion1822, introduced into the mixed fluid inlet1823a, and then discharged to the mixed fluid outlet1823bthrough the mixed fluid flow path1823c.

The gas may flow into the gas inlet1811aat a certain pressure so that the gas may flow linearly at a high speed, while forming a laminar flow in the gas flow path1811c, and the gas flow path1811cmay extend to have a length longer than a diameter thereof.

Also, the gas outlet1811bmay be adjacent to the mixed fluid inlet1823aso that the gas discharged to the gas outlet1811bmay be mixed with the cleaning water introduced into the accommodating portion1822and directly introduced into the mixed fluid inlet1823a.

The gas discharged at a certain pressure through the gas outlet may flow into the mixed fluid inlet1823atogether with cleaning water accommodated in the accommodating portion1822, and at this time, the mixed fluid may include gas bubbles generated as the gas is mixed with the cleaning water. Cleaning power of the wafer W may be improved by impact force applied by the mixed fluid to the surface of the wafer W when the mixed fluid including gas bubbles is discharged to the mixed fluid outlet1823band collides with the surface of the wafer W and additional impact force applied to the surface of the wafer W as the gas bubbles included in the mixed fluid burst.

The cleaned wafer may be carried out of the wafer processing system10by the transfer device110described above.

Meanwhile, the wafer processing system10according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a back grinding device (not shown). After the processing of the notch portion N or an edge portion E is completed by the notch processing device130or the edge processing device140, the wafer processing system10may polish one surface of the wafer W using the back grinding device (not shown).

As described above, because the thickness of the notch portion N and the edge portion E of the wafer W is reduced, the wafer processing system10does not damage the notch portion N during the back grinding process, thereby improving the yield of the wafer W.

Hereinafter, a wafer processing method of the wafer processing system10is described with each component of the wafer processing system10in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG.6is a diagram schematically illustrating a wafer W as a processing target,FIG.7is a diagram illustrating the alignment device120, andFIG.8is a diagram illustrating a method of extracting edge information of the notch portion N.

Referring toFIGS.6to8, the wafer processing system10prepares the wafer W having a notch portion N formed at one side thereof.

Here, the wafer W may be in a state in which devices are formed on one surface. The type, size, and shape of the wafer W are not particularly limited. For example, the wafer W may include silicon, germanium, quartz, or sapphire. The wafer W may be a substrate on which a semiconductor device is formed or a substrate on which a display, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), organic light emitting diode (OLED), or light emitting diode (LED) is formed.

The notch portion N which is concave toward the center of the wafer W may be formed in the wafer W. In general, the wafer W is aligned using a pattern, such as a line on a wafer surface or an align key, but there is a problem in that it is difficult to recognize such a pattern or align key because a resin layer is applied to protect the wafer surface during device processing. The notch portion N is formed at one side of the wafer W to solve the problem, and the wafer processing system10recognizes a position of the notch portion N by a vision camera and aligns the wafer W.

When the wafer W is brought in from the outside, the wafer processing system10may seat the wafer W on the support table117on which a processing operation is performed, using the transfer device110. The wafer W may be primarily aligned by the pre-aligner113of the transfer device110and then transferred to the support table117.

When the wafer W is seated on the support table117, the wafer processing system10may recognize a position of the wafer W using the alignment device120and align the wafer W before processing. The alignment device120may include the lighting unit121and the vision camera123.

The lighting unit121and the vision camera123may be disposed to face each other with respect to the wafer W, and in an embodiment, the lighting unit121may be located below the wafer W to irradiate light toward the wafer W and the vision camera123may be located above the wafer W and captures an image of the wafer W to which the light is irradiated to acquire image information M1.

The type of the vision camera123is not particularly limited. For example, the vision camera123may be a general optical camera, a time of flight (ToF) camera, or a lidar.

The controller150of the wafer processing system10may analyze the received image information M1and align the wafer W. The controller150may align the wafer W by controlling a position of the support table117, or may control the notch processing device130or the edge processing device140using position information of the notch portion N.

In detail, the controller150may extract a plurality of points (e.g., 4 or more points) on the wafer W using the image information M1acquired through the alignment device120, and identify a deviation of the center point of the wafer W from a rotating shaft of the support table117or positions of the notch processing device130, the edge processing device140, and the wafer W in advance.

Thereafter, the controller150may control the notch processing device130and the edge processing device140to move according to a set movement path based on the identified position information of the components.

In addition, the controller150may extract edge information of the notch portion N by analyzing the image information M1of the notch portion N. In a state in which the lower surface or the upper surface of the wafer W is irradiated with light using the lighting unit121, the controller150may analyze the image information M1of the notch portion N captured by the vision camera123located to face the lighting. As shown inFIG.8, in the image information M1, a region of the wafer W may block light to be dark, and the notch portion N may allow light to pass therethrough to be bright. The controller150may extract edge information of the notch portion N using a contrast difference.

In detail, the edge information of the notch portion N may include information on a plurality of edge points p extracted along an edge line of the notch portion N. In an embodiment, as shown inFIG.8, the controller150may extract the plurality of edge points p at regular intervals along the edge line of the notch portion N.

The controller150may set a processing path of the notch wheel131using the extracted edge information and previously planned notch processing information. The processing path of the notch wheel131may be set based on the center O1of the notch wheel131, and may be set along an edge line outside the wafer W as shown inFIG.9described below.

Here, when the controller150controls the notch processing device130to move according to the set movement path, the set movement path may be a path along which the notch processing device130moved during previous processing of the wafer W. In the case of wafers provided to the wafer processing system10in one manufacturing unit (LOT unit), the notch portion N of the wafer W may be formed in a similar shape.

In processing the notch portion of a currently processed wafer, the wafer processing system10according to an embodiment of the present disclosure controls the notch processing device130to move along the set movement path used to process a notch portion of a previously processed wafer, thereby maximizing notch processing efficiency.

In this case, however, the movement path set when processing the previous wafer is not simply applied immediately, and the controller150of the wafer processing system10may identify whether an edge line of the notch portion N of the wafer W is different from an edge line of the notch portion of the previous wafer using the received image information M1, and may change the set movement path of the current wafer W when there is a difference therebetween.

In other words, the wafer processing system10may analyze the image information of the notch portion of the wafer, and if there is no difference between the previous wafer and the current wafer, the wafer processing system10processes the notch portion along the processing path of the previous wafer, and if there is a difference, the wafer processing system10may reset the movement path of the notch processing device, thereby accurately and efficiently performing the notch processing process.

FIG.9is a diagram schematically illustrating the notch processing device130according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,FIG.10is a conceptual diagram illustrating a wafer processing method using the notch processing device130ofFIG.9, andFIGS.11A to11Care diagrams illustrating a portion processed by the wafer processing method.

Referring toFIGS.9to11C, when the wafer W is aligned on the support table117, the wafer processing system10may perform a trimming process of reducing a thickness of the notch portion N of the wafer W or a cutting process of cutting a portion of the notch portion N using the notch processing device130.

As shown inFIG.11A, the notch processing device130may include the notch wheel131having a preset diameter RA and the first spindle133connected to the notch wheel131.

The notch wheel131may be a member that directly processes the wafer W, and may be connected to one end of the first spindle133. The notch wheel131may process the wafer W, while rotating by the rotation of the first spindle133. For example, the notch wheel131may process the notch portion N formed in the wafer W to reduce the thickness of the notch portion N or cut a portion of the notch portion N.

The first spindle133may rotate around a rotation axis Ax1, and to this end, the first spindle133may include a motor (not shown). In an embodiment, the first spindle133may be disposed on the first support plate135. The first support plate135, in a state of being connected to a gantry (not shown) or the like, may move toward the support table117on which the wafer W is seated. In addition, the first spindle133may rotate and move, while connected to the first support plate135. Alternatively, when the notch processing device130is fixed by the first support plate135, the support table117may move and rotate to the notch processing device130to perform notch processing. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, a case in which the notch processing device130moves to the support table117to perform notch processing is described.

After the wafer W is aligned, the wafer processing system10may process the notch portion N using the notch wheel131so that a certain region of the notch portion N has a preset thickness (d1, refer toFIG.11B). At this time, a diameter RA of the notch wheel131may be greater than a width A of a certain region of the notch portion N to be processed.

In other words, the wafer processing system10may process the notch portion N, while controlling the notch wheel131so that the center O1of the notch wheel131does not overlap the notch portion N. That is, while the notch processing is performed, the center O1of the notch wheel131may be located outside the wafer W.

In an embodiment, the diameter RA of the notch wheel131may be larger than twice the width A of a certain region of the notch portion N to be processed. Referring toFIG.10, a radius RA/2 of the notch wheel131may be equal to a unique width DA of the notch portion N. In this case, the unique width DA of the notch portion N may be a distance (distance on an x-y plane) from the edge line of the wafer W to a certain region in which the notch processing is performed.

In detail, as shown inFIG.11A, the wafer processing system10may process the wafer W in a state in which a portion of the notch wheel131having the first diameter RA is in contact with the wafer W. At this time, the notch wheel131may have a cylindrical shape, and the upper surface Wa and the side surface Wb of the wafer W processed by the notch wheel131may be perpendicular to each other as shown inFIG.11B.

However, the upper surface Wa and the side surface Wb may correspond to the shape of the notch wheel131. For example, when an angle of the edge portion of the notch wheel131has a value in the range of 86° to 94°, an angle between the upper surface Wa and the side surface Wb may be determined as a value in the range of 94° to 86°.

In an embodiment, when processing the wafer W using the notch processing device130, the wafer processing system10may process the notch portion N by controlling the notch processing device130to move in a vertical direction (a z direction inFIG.9) perpendicular to one surface of the wafer. At this time, in a state in which the coordinates of the notch wheel131on the plane (the x-y plane) are fixed, the notch wheel131may move in the vertical direction (the z direction) toward the notch portion N of the wafer W to process the notch portion N.

In another embodiment, when processing the wafer W using the notch processing device130, the wafer processing system10may process the notch portion N by controlling the notch processing device130to move in a horizontal direction (an x-y direction) horizontal to one surface of the wafer. At this time, in a state in which the coordinates of the notch wheel131are fixed in the vertical direction (the z direction), the notch wheel131may move in the horizontal direction (the x-y direction) toward the notch portion N of the wafer W to process the notch portion N.

In another embodiment, the wafer processing system10may perform depth processing in the vertical direction (the z direction) perpendicular to one surface of the wafer first using the notch processing device130, and then perform width or breadth processing in the horizontal direction (the x-y direction).

In another embodiment, using the notch processing device130, the wafer processing system10may process the notch portion N of the wafer W by controlling the notch processing device130to simultaneously move in the horizontal direction (the x-y direction) and the vertical direction (the z direction). When the processing of the notch portion N of the wafer W using the notch processing device130is completed, the thickness of a certain region of the notch portion N may be changed and shade may occur as shown inFIG.11C.

FIG.12is a conceptual diagram illustrating a wafer processing method using a notch processing device according to another embodiment, and FIGS. to10care diagrams illustrating portions processed by the wafer processing method ofFIG.9.

Referring toFIGS.12to13C, a notch wheel131′ of the notch processing device130according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first processing portion1311and a second processing portion1312. Through this, a certain region of the notch portion N processed by the notch wheel131′ according to another embodiment may include a first region n1having a first thickness d1and a second region n2having a second thickness d2, different from the first thickness d1.

A certain region of the notch portion N processed by the notch wheel131′ according to another embodiment may include the first region n1having a first width A1and the second region n2having a second width A2in a plan view. InFIG.12, a case in which a diameter RA′ of the notch wheel131′ is smaller than the diameter RA of the notch wheel131ofFIG.10is shown as an example, and even in this case, the diameter RA of the notch wheel131′ may be greater than a width (A1+A2) of the certain region of the notch portion N. Therefore, while the notch portion N is being processed, the center O1′ of the notch wheel131′ may not overlap the wafer W and may be located outside the wafer W.

In the case of processing the notch portion N using the notch wheel131ofFIG.11A, the notch portion N is expressed with only one shade as shown inFIG.11C. In contrast, in the case of processing using the notch wheel131′ including the first processing portion1311and the second processing portion1312, the notch portion N may be expressed with two shades due to a difference in thickness as shown inFIG.13C, and thus, the notch portion N may be more clearly recognized by a vision camera.

In an embodiment, the second region n2of the notch portion N may include an inclined surface We. In other words, the second region n2of the notch portion N may not be uniformly formed to have the second thickness d2, but have a shape gradually changing from the first thickness d1of the first region n1to the second thickness d2.

In detail, as shown inFIG.13A, the first processing portion1311may have the same shape as that of the notch wheel131ofFIG.11Aand may have a cylindrical shape coaxially located with the rotation axis Ax1of the first spindle133.

The first processing portion1311may be a portion located outside the notch wheel131and may include a first processing surface1311aand a second processing surface1311b. The first processing surface1311aand the second processing surface1311bmay be formed substantially vertically like the notch wheel ofFIG.11A.

The first processing surface1311amay contact the upper surface Wa of the notch portion N and process the upper surface Wa according to rotation of the first spindle133. In an embodiment, the first processing surface1311amay be a bottom surface of the first processing portion1311and may be located to be parallel to the upper surface Wa of the notch portion N.

The second processing surface1311bmay contact the side surface Wb of the notch portion N and process the side surface Wb according to rotation of the first spindle133. In an embodiment, the second processing surface1311bmay be a side surface of the first processing portion1311and may be located to be parallel to the side surface Wb of the notch portion N.

The second processing portion1312may be disposed at one side of the first processing portion1311. In an embodiment, the second processing portion1312is located inside the first processing portion1311in a radial direction and may be located coaxially with the rotation axis Ax1of the first spindle133.

As shown in the drawing, the second processing portion1312may have a tapered surface1312aand a flat surface1312b. The tapered surface1312amay be located to process the inclined surface We of the notch portion N.

In an embodiment, the second processing portion1312may have a circular truncated cone shape, and the tapered surface1312amay correspond to a side surface of the second processing portion1312. In addition, the tapered surface1312amay be located to form a first angle θ with the first processing surface1311aof the first processing portion1311.

Accordingly, an upper surface Wa, a side surface Wb, and an inclined surface We may be formed in the notch portion N of the wafer W processed by the notch processing device130. In detail, as shown inFIGS.13A and13B, the upper surface Wa and the side surface Wb of the notch portion N may be processed by the first processing portion1311, and the inclined surface We of the notch portion N may be processed by the second processing portion1312.

In addition, the upper surface Wa and the inclined surface We of the notch portion N may be located to form the first angle θ which is the same as the first angle θ formed between the first processing surface1311aand the tapered surface1312a. Therefore, shade may be formed on the inclined surface We, which is inclined downwardly relative to the upper surface Wa, and a boundary line may be formed between the upper surface Wa and the inclined surface We.

In another embodiment, the alignment device120may capture an image of a device surface of the wafer W, and identify a defective device having a protrusion or the like based on the captured image. Thereafter, the wafer processing system10may perform a process of removing a defective device of the wafer W using the notch processing device130.

The alignment device120inspects the device surface of the wafer W after processing of the notch portion N and/or processing of the edge portion E is completed or before processing is performed. At this time, the device surface of the wafer W may have a protrusion due to foreign matter or the like during a manufacturing process. Such a protrusion may deteriorate quality of the wafer W and may collide with a device during another process to cause damage or the like.

When the alignment device120captures an image of the device surface of the wafer W, the notch processing device130may be used to process the notch portion N of the wafer W, as well as to remove a defective device of the wafer W. For example, the notch processing device130scrape and remove a defective device using the notch wheel131.

FIGS.14A and14Bare diagrams illustrating a notch wheel231according to another embodiment.

Referring toFIGS.14A and14B, the notch wheel231according to another embodiment includes a processing portion2311including a first processing surface2311ain contact with the wafer W. At this time, the processing portion2311may refer to an end portion of the notch wheel231. Compared to the notch wheel131ofFIG.11A, the notch wheel according to another embodiment may include a slit portion233formed to divide the processing portion2311into two or more parts.

The slit portion233may divide the processing portion2311, which is an end portion of the notch wheel231, into two or more parts. For example, as shown inFIG.14A, the slit portion233may include a first slit233adividing the processing portion2311in a first direction and a second slit233bdividing the processing portion2311in a second direction, different from the first direction.

In detail, the first slit233amay be formed as a groove concave toward the inside of the notch wheel231from the first processing surface2311aof the processing portion2311. The first slit233amay be formed in the first direction and may be formed in a shape passing through the second processing surface2311b, which is a side surface of the processing portion2311.

Similarly, the second slit233bmay be formed as a groove concave toward the inside of the notch wheel231from the first processing surface2311aof the processing portion2311. The second slit233bmay be formed in the second direction, crossing the first direction, and may be formed in a shape passing through the second processing surface2311b, which is the side surface of the processing portion2311.

The first slit233aand the second slit233bmay cross at the center O of the notch wheel231, and as shown, the first slit233aand the second slit233bmay be located in a cross shape. The first slit233amay divide the processing portion2311in the first direction, and the second slit233bmay divide the processing portion2311in the second direction. However, this is only an embodiment, and the present disclosure is not limited to the shape and number of the slit portion233.

The slit portion233may perform a function of smoothly supplying a polishing water supplied during the notch processing process to the entire notch wheel231. In other words, because the slit portion233is formed on the first processing surface2311aof the processing portion2311, processing may be performed, while supplying polishing water directly to the upper surface of the notch portion N. In addition, because the polishing water continuously circulates through the slit portion233, chips occurring in the process of polishing the wafer W may be easily discharged.

In an embodiment, the first slit233aand the second slit233bmay be grooves having a depth in a vertical direction with respect the first processing surface2311a. Through this, the divided processing portion2311may have angled corners, and these corners may serve as processing blades in the process of processing the wafer W. A grinding force of the notch wheel231having the slit portion233may be improved, so that processing quality of the wafer W may be further improved.

FIGS.15A and15Bare diagrams illustrating a notch wheel231′ according to another embodiment.

Referring toFIGS.15A and15B, like the notch wheel131′ ofFIG.13A, the notch wheel231′ according to another embodiment may include a first processing portion2311and a second processing portion2312and may include a slit portion233formed to divide the first processing portion2311and the second processing portion2312into two or more parts.

The first processing portion2311may have a first diameter R1, and the second processing portion2312may have a second diameter R2smaller than the first diameter R1and may be located at one end of the first processing portion2311to protrude outwardly from the one end of the first processing portion2311.

The first processing portion2311may be a portion located at an outer portion of the notch wheel231and may include a first processing surface2311aand a second processing surface2311b. The first processing surface2311aand the second processing surface2311bmay be formed to be substantially perpendicular to each other, like the notch wheel ofFIG.11A.

The second processing portion2312may be disposed at one side of the first processing portion2311. In an embodiment, the second processing portion2312may be located radially inside the first processing portion2311and may be disposed coaxially with the rotation axis Ax1of the first spindle133.

As shown in the drawing, the second processing portion2312may have a tapered surface2312aand a flat surface2312b. The tapered surface2312amay be disposed to process the inclined surface We of the notch portion N.

In an embodiment, the second processing portion2312may have a circular truncated cone shape, and the tapered surface2312amay correspond to a side surface of the second processing portion2312. In addition, the tapered surface2312amay be disposed to form a first angle θ with the first processing surface2311aof the first processing portion2311.

The slit portion233may divide the first processing portion2311and the second processing portion2312, which are end portions of the notch wheel231, into two or more parts. For example, as shown inFIG.15A, the slit portion233may include a first slit233adividing the first processing portion2311and the second processing portion2312in the first direction and a second slit233bdividing the first processing portion2311in the second direction, different from the first direction.

In detail, the first slit233amay be formed as a concave groove toward the inside of the notch wheel231from the first processing surface2311aof the processing portion2311. The first slit233amay be formed in the first direction to pass through the second processing surface2311bwhich is a side surface of the processing portion2311.

In another embodiment, the first slit233aand the second slit233bmay be disposed to have different depths. Through this, a step may be formed between the first slit233aand the second slit233b.

In another embodiment, the first slit233aand the second slit233bmay be located to have an inclination. For example, the first slit233aand the second slit233bmay be formed to have the same first angle θ as that of a slope of the tapered surface2312atoward the center O of the notch wheel231.

FIGS.16and17are diagrams illustrating the edge processing device140according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.16and17, the edge processing device140is located at one side of the wafer processing system10and may perform a function of processing an edge portion of the wafer W. When the wafer W is seated on the support table117, the edge processing device140may move toward the support table117and process the edge portion E of the wafer W.

The wafer processing system10according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may perform a back grinding process immediately after processing the notch portion N of the wafer W, but, if necessary, the wafer processing system10may perform a trimming process of reducing a thickness of the edge portion E of the wafer W using the edge processing device140.

The edge processing device140may include an edge wheel and a second spindle. At this time, the edge wheel may be processed along the edge portion E of the wafer W, and here, the edge portion E may be processed so that a certain area of the edge portion E has a preset thickness. The edge wheel may be mounted at one end of the second spindle, and the edge wheel may be mounted to be rotatable about a rotation axis.

In an embodiment, the edge processing device140may include two edge wheels and two spindles. In detail, the edge processing device140may include a first edge wheel141and a (2-1)-th spindle143connected to the first edge wheel141. In addition, although not shown, the edge processing device140may include a (2-1)-th support plate (not shown) connected to the (2-1)-th spindle143.

In addition, the edge processing device140may include a second edge wheel142located to be opposite to the first edge wheel141with respect to the support table117, a (2-2)-th spindle144connected to the second edge wheel142, and a (2-2)-th support plate145connected to the (2-2)-th spindle144.

The first edge wheel141and the second edge wheel142, in a state of being connected to the (2-1)-th support plate (not shown) and the (2-2)-th support plate145, respectively, may process the edge portion E of the wafer W, while rotating according to rotation of the (2-1)-th spindle143and the (2-2)-th spindle144.

For example, a pair of edge processing devices140may process the edge portion E of the wafer W, while rotating about the support table117in a clockwise direction or in a counterclockwise direction.

In another embodiment, as shown inFIG.17, the edge processing device140, fixed in position while processing the edge portion E of the wafer W, may process the edge portion E of the wafer W, while the support table117rotates about the center axis Ax1in the clockwise direction or in the counterclockwise direction.

FIGS.18to20Bare diagrams illustrating an edge processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.18and20B, the wafer processing system10may process the notch portion N of the wafer W so that a certain region of the notch portion N may have a preset first thickness, and may process the edge portion E so that a certain region of the edge portion E may have a preset second thickness.

In this case, a certain region RH of the edge portion E processed by the edge process may be smaller than the notch portion N. In detail, the certain region RH of the edge portion E may be smaller than the unique width DA of the notch portion N, which is the maximum distance from the edge line of the wafer W to the certain region A in which the notch portion N is processed. In other words, a processing width in which the first edge wheel141and the second edge wheel142contact the wafer W may be smaller than a diameter of the notch wheel131.

At this time, a processing depth d4of the notch portion N, which is processed to have a preset first thickness by the notch processing device130, may be equal to or greater than a processing depth d3of the edge portion E, which is processed to have a preset second thickness by the edge processing device140. The processing depths d3and d4may be depths vertically processed from the upper surface Wt of the wafer W by the notch wheel131or the edge wheel141.

By setting the processing depth d3of the edge portion E to be equal to or smaller than the processing depth d4of the notch portion N, the occurrence of cracks in the notch portion N due to edge processing may be minimized. For example, in the wafer processing system10, when the notch portion N is processed to be reduced in thickness by about 180 μm, the edge portion E may be processed to be reduced in thickness by about 150 μm. However, this is only an embodiment, and both the notch portion N and the edge portion E may be processed to be reduced in thickness by about 150 μm, and may also be processed to have a different processing thickness, of course.

Referring toFIGS.20A and20B, in an embodiment, a second processing point sp2at which the edge processing device140starts edge processing may be different from a first processing point sp1at which the notch processing device130starts notch processing. Here, the first processing point sp1and the second processing point sp2may be processing positions on the wafer W.

If the edge processing device140includes two edge wheels141and142as shown inFIG.16, a first processing point sp2-1and a second processing point sp2-2of the first edge wheel141may be located at the edge portion E in a direction perpendicular to the notch portion N based on the center WO of the wafer W. Alternatively, when the edge processing device140includes one edge wheel141as shown inFIG.17, a second processing point sp2-3of the edge wheel141may be located at the edge portion E opposite to the notch portion N based on the center WO of the wafer W. However, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto, and the first processing point at which the notch processing starts and the second processing point at which the edge processing starts may coincide.

FIG.21is a diagram illustrating the automatic tool replacing device160according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.22is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of the automatic tool replacing device160. Referring toFIG.21, the automatic tool replacing device160may be located at one side of the wafer processing system10, and may be located to be adjacent to the notch processing device130when the notch processing device130does not perform a processing process.

The automatic tool replacing device160performs a function of automatically replacing the notch wheel131of the notch processing device130when the notch wheel131is abnormal or deteriorates. In an embodiment, the automatic tool replacing device160may be controlled by the controller150, and when the number of processing of the notch wheel131of the notch processing device130exceeds a preset reference, the notch wheel131may be replaced. In another embodiment, the automatic tool replacing device160may be connected to the inspection device170(refer toFIG.2) that identifies a state of the notch wheel131, so that the inspection device170may identify to state of the notch wheel131before or after processing, and automatically replace the notch wheel131according to the state of the notch wheel131.

Alternatively, the automatic tool replacing device160may be set to replace the notch wheel131when the preset number of processing is exceeded, but may periodically inspect the state of the notch wheel131through the inspection device170and immediately replace the notch wheel131if there is a problem even before the preset number of processing.

In detail, referring toFIG.22, the automatic tool replacing device160according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cassette unit161, an accommodation detecting portion163, a driving unit165, and a check sensor unit167.

The cassette unit161may store a plurality of new notch wheels N131and may include a plurality of accommodating portions1611for accommodating the plurality of new notch wheels N131, respectively. The cassette unit161may include two or more rows of the plurality of accommodating portions1611arranged in a line as shown inFIG.19, and a plurality of accommodating portions1611arranged in a line along a rotating disk as shown inFIG.18.

The cassette unit161may be fixedly installed at one side of the automatic tool replacing device160so that the accommodating portion1611is newly filled with the new notch wheel N131. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the cassette unit161itself may be formed in the form of a cartridge to be replaceable with respect to the automatic tool replacing device160.

The accommodation detecting portion163may detect whether the new notch wheel N131is accommodated in each of the plurality of accommodating portions1611of the cassette unit161. The automatic tool replacing device160may recognize a position or the number of the accommodating portion1611without the new notch wheel N131, among the plurality of accommodating portions1611, by using the accommodation detecting portion163.

The driving unit165may be connected to the cassette unit161to perform a function of changing the position of the cassette unit161or moving the position of the plurality of accommodating portions1611. The driving unit165may include components for linearly or rotationally moving the position of the cassette unit161or the plurality of accommodating portions1611according to the structure of the cassette unit161.

In an embodiment, as shown inFIG.21, when the cassette unit161is formed in a disk shape, the driving unit165may include components that rotate the cassette unit161. For example, the automatic tool replacing device160may rotate the cassette unit161using the driving unit165to correspond to an entry position of the notch processing device130. In other words, the automatic tool replacing device160may rotate the wheel cassette in which the new notch wheels N131are accommodated using the driving unit165, so that the new notch wheel N131to be replaced may be positioned on the same line as one direction (the x direction) of the notch processing device130.

The check sensor unit167may measure position information of the new notch wheel N131mounted at one end of the spindle133. In detail, the check sensor unit167may perform a function of acquiring length information from one end of the spindle133to the end of the new notch wheel N131. Through this, the automatic tool replacing device160may correct a positional error that may occur in the process of mounting the new notch wheel N131and immediately perform a notch process according to a preset processing plan.

In an embodiment, the check sensor unit167may include a touch sensor. After mounting the new notch wheel N131in the cassette unit161, the notch processing device130may move up and down on the check sensor unit167located at one side of the automatic tool replacing device160, and detect touching of an end of the new notch wheel N131, thereby acquiring location information of the new notch wheel N131.

In another embodiment, the check sensor unit167may be a distance measuring sensor using a laser or may acquire position information using a vision camera.

FIGS.23and24are diagrams illustrating an automatic tool replacing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.23and24A, in the automatic tool replacing method, first, it is identified whether an existing notch wheel O131is mounted at one end of the spindle133(S100). At this time, the automatic tool replacing device160may further include a mounting sensor162capable of detecting whether the existing notch wheel O131is mounted at one end of the spindle133. At this time, the mounting sensor162may include a vision camera, and whether the existing notch wheel O131is mounted may be identified by imaging one end of the spindle133.

In another embodiment, the notch processing device130may include a notch wheel detecting unit139identifying whether the notch wheel131is mounted at one end of the spindle133. For example, the mounting detecting unit139may include a contact sensor or a pressure sensor, and may identify whether the existing notch wheel O131is mounted at one end of the spindle133. In another embodiment, the notch wheel detecting unit139of the notch processing device130may include an RFID reader. In other words, an RFID tag to which unique information is input may be attached to the notch wheel131, and the notch wheel detecting unit139may detect whether the notch wheel131is mounted or whether the mounted notch wheel131is a new notch wheel or an existing notch wheel by acquiring tag information using the RFID reader.

Thereafter, referring toFIG.23and (b) ofFIG.24, in the automatic tool replacing method, when the existing notch wheel O131is mounted at one end of the spindle133, the spindle133may be moved to a preset zone and the existing notch wheel O131may be removed (S200). A notch wheel collection box R for accommodating the removed existing notch wheel O131may be located in the pre-set zone.

Thereafter, in the automatic tool replacing method, whether the existing notch wheel O131is removed from one end of the spindle133may be identified (S300). In operation S300, whether the existing notch wheel O131is removed may be identified by using the mounting sensor162for identifying whether the existing notch wheel O131is mounted or by using the notch wheel detecting unit129included in the notch processing device130.

Thereafter, referring toFIG.23and (c) ofFIG.24, in the automatic tool replacing method, the spindle133may be moved to the cassette unit161storing the plurality of new notch wheels N131, and any one of the plurality of new notch wheels may be mounted at one end of the spindle133(S400).

As described above, the cassette unit161may include the plurality of accommodating portions1611accommodating the plurality of new notch wheels N131, respectively. Here, in the mounting of any one of the plurality of new notch wheels N131at one end of the spindle133, the any one of the plurality of new notch wheels N131may be mounted by moving the spindle133to any one predefined accommodating portion1611, among the plurality of accommodation portions1611of the cassette unit161.

The cassette unit161may include the accommodation detecting portion163detecting whether the new notch wheel N131is accommodated in each of the plurality of accommodating portions1611, and in the automatic tool replacing method, one accommodating portion1611to which the spindle133is to move may be determined using a result detected by the accommodation detecting portion163.

In other words, the cassette unit161may recognize positions of the accommodating portions1611accommodating the new notch wheels N131by the accommodation detecting portion163, and extract an optimal accommodating portion1611to which the spindle133may move in the shortest manner, among the accommodating portions1611in which the new notch wheels N131are accommodated. In the automatic tool replacing method, the new notch wheel N131may be mounted by moving the spindle133to the extracted optimal accommodating portion1611.

In another embodiment, in the automatic tool replacing method, when the cassette unit161is formed in a wheel shape as shown inFIG.21, the cassette unit161may be rotated by using the driving unit165so that the extracted optimal accommodating portion1611is adjacent to a movement direction (the x direction) of the notch processing device130. Thereafter, the notch processing device130may move to an upper portion of the new notch wheel N131to be replaced.

Thereafter, the automatic tool replacing method may identify whether the replaced notch wheel N131is properly mounted by using the check sensor unit167(refer toFIG.22). In the automatic tool replacing method, a first length from one end E1of the spindle133to the end of the new notch wheel N131may be measured using the check sensor unit167, and a position of the spindle133may be corrected using a second length from one end of the spindle133to the end of the existing notch wheel O131, which is already known, and the first length.

The check sensor unit167may be a touch sensor, and when the notch processing device130moves downwardly to contact the end of the notch wheel N131, the notch processing device130may detect the contact and measure a mounting height of the new notch wheel N131. The controller150may compensate for a difference in height from the existing notch wheel O131based on the detected mounting height of the new notch wheel N131using the position information, and then control the notch portion N to be processed. Through this, after automatically replacing the notch wheel, the notch processing device130may directly perform processing without separate teaching, thereby improving process efficiency.

Thereafter, referring toFIG.23, the notch processing device130may move the spindle133in which the new notch wheel N131is mounted to the notch portion N of the wafer and process the notch portion N so that a certain region of the notch portion N has a preset thickness.

The automatic tool replacing method described above may be performed by determining whether to replace the existing notch wheel O131at one end of the spindle133. In other words, the automatic tool replacing method may determine whether to replace the existing notch wheel O131based on the preset number of processing, or may determine whether to replace by periodically identifying whether the existing notch wheel O131is abnormal.

FIG.25is a diagram illustrating the inspection device170according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG.25, the inspection device170performs a function of identifying a state of the notch wheel131or the edge wheel141before or after processing by the notch processing device130or the edge processing device140. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, a case in which the inspection device170identifies the state of the edge processing device140as shown in the drawing is mainly described.

The inspection device170may include a light source unit171that emits light toward the edge wheel141and an imaging unit173located to face the light source unit171to image a state of the edge wheel141.

The light source unit171may emit light to the edge wheel141of the edge processing device140, and the imaging unit173may image light reflected from the edge wheel141. The imaging unit173may be located to face the light source unit171, and image light emitted to the edge wheel141, and a portion corresponding to the edge wheel141may be covered by the edge wheel141and imaged to be dark, the rest may be imaged to be bright.

Through this, in an image obtained by the imaging unit173, an edge of the edge wheel141may be detected by shade, and a state of the edge wheel141may be identified through the image. The wafer processing system10may determine whether to replace the edge wheel141according to the state of the edge wheel141. The wafer processing system10may automatically replace the edge wheel141or notify an operator when the edge wheel141is worn or is abnormal.

As described above, in the wafer processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, by processing the notch portion N of the wafer W before the back grinding process, damage to the wafer W occurring during the back grinding process may be prevented.

In addition, in the wafer processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, by placing the center of the notch wheel131outside the wafer W during processing of the notch portion, stable and precise processing of the notch portion may be performed.

In addition, in the wafer processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, recognition errors may be prevented by forming the inclined surface on the notch portion N of the wafer W and using the inclined surface as an alignment mark in a subsequent process.

As such, the present disclosure has been described with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawings, but this is only an example, and those skilled in the art may understand that various modifications and variations of the embodiment may be made therefrom. Therefore, the true technical scope of protection of the present disclosure should be determined by the technical spirit of the appended claims.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the wafer processing method and system are provided. In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to wafer processing including a notch portion.