Substrate processing apparatus and method of cleaning substrate processing apparatus

Disclosed is a substrate processing apparatus including: a holding unit configured to hold a substrate; a processing liquid supply unit configured to supply a first processing liquid and a second processing liquid to the substrate; a first cup configured to recover the first processing liquid; a second cup disposed adjacent to the first cup and configured to recover the second processing liquid; a recovery portion defined by a peripheral wall portion that is erected on a bottom portion of the first cup; and a cleaning liquid supply unit configured to supply a cleaning liquid to the recovery portion. The peripheral wall portion is cleaned by causing the cleaning liquid supplied by the cleaning liquid supply unit to overflow from the peripheral wall portion to the second cup side.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-003869 filed on Jan. 12, 2016 with the Japan Patent Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein relate to a substrate processing apparatus and a method of cleaning a substrate processing apparatus.

BACKGROUND

Conventionally, a substrate processing apparatus has been known, which performs various processings on a substrate (e.g., a semiconductor wafer or a glass substrate) by supplying a predetermined processing liquid (see, e.g., Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2013-089628).

The above-mentioned substrate processing apparatus is configured to receive, for example, a processing liquid scattered from the substrate in a cup, which is provided to surround the periphery of the substrate, and discharge the processing liquid. The cup includes, for example, a peripheral wall portion that is erected on the bottom portion of the cup, and employs a space defined by the peripheral wall portion as a recovery portion to recover and discharge the processing liquid.

Further, when there are a plurality of processing liquids, the substrate processing apparatus includes a plurality of cups depending on the kinds of the processing liquids. That is, in a case where a first processing liquid and a second processing liquid are supplied to the substrate, the substrate processing apparatus includes a first cup that recovers the first processing liquid, and a second cup that is disposed adjacent to the first cup and recovers the second processing liquid.

SUMMARY

A substrate processing apparatus according to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment includes a holding unit, a processing supply unit, a first cup, a second cup, a recovery portion, and a cleaning liquid supply unit. The holding unit holds a substrate. The processing liquid supply unit supplies a first processing liquid and a second processing liquid to the substrate. The first cup recovers the first processing liquid. The second cup is disposed adjacent to the first cup and recovers the second processing liquid. The recovery portion defined by a peripheral wall portion that is erected on a bottom portion of the first cup. The cleaning liquid supply unit supplies a cleaning liquid to the recovery portion. In the substrate processing apparatus, the peripheral wall portion is cleaned by causing the cleaning liquid supplied by the cleaning liquid supply unit to overflow from the peripheral wall portion to the second cup side.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the above-described substrate processing apparatus, when the processing liquid is discharged after various processings, for example, some of the first processing liquid may remain in the first cap. Similarly, some of the second processing liquid may remain in the second cup. In this case, it has been found that the remaining first and second processing liquids react with each other in the substrate processing apparatus to generate foreign matters (e.g., crystals), which are then attached to the peripheral wall portion of the first cup.

In an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a substrate processing apparatus and a method of cleaning a substrate processing apparatus, which are capable of removing the foreign matters attached to the peripheral wall portion of the cup.

A substrate processing apparatus according to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment includes a holding unit, a processing supply unit, a first cup, a second cup, a recovery portion, and a cleaning liquid supply unit. The holding unit holds a substrate. The processing liquid supply unit supplies a first processing liquid and a second processing liquid to the substrate. The first cup recovers the first processing liquid. The second cup is disposed adjacent to the first cup and recovers the second processing liquid. The recovery portion defined by a peripheral wall portion that is erected on a bottom portion of the first cup. The cleaning liquid supply unit supplies a cleaning liquid to the recovery portion. In the substrate processing apparatus, the peripheral wall portion is cleaned by causing the cleaning liquid supplied by the cleaning liquid supply unit to overflow from the peripheral wall portion to the second cup side.

In the above-described substrate processing apparatus, the first cup includes a liquid receiving portion provided above the peripheral wall portion to surround a periphery of the substrate held by the holding unit and configured to receive the first processing liquid scattered from the substrate, and the cleaning liquid supplied by the cleaning liquid supply unit is caused to overflow from a gap between the peripheral wall portion and the liquid receiving portion to the second cup side.

In the above-described substrate processing apparatus, the liquid receiving portion is movable up and down with respect to the peripheral wall portion, and the liquid receiving portion is moved down to such an extent that a site of the liquid receiving portion, which faces an upper surface of the peripheral wall portion is cleaned by the cleaning liquid when the cleaning liquid overflows from the peripheral wall portion.

In the above-described substrate processing apparatus, the first cup further includes: a support member configured to support the liquid receiving portion, and move up and down the liquid receiving portion with respect to the peripheral wall portion, and an insertion hole formed inside the peripheral wall portion to allow the support member to be inserted therethrough. The cleaning liquid supply unit is configured to clean the support member by introducing the cleaning liquid overflowing from the peripheral wall portion into the insertion hole.

In the above-described substrate processing apparatus, the first cup is connected to a circulation line that circulates the recovered first processing liquid and supplies to the substrate again, and the second cup is connected to a drain line that discharges the recovered second processing liquid to the outside of the apparatus.

The above-described substrate processing apparatus further includes a third cup disposed on an opposite side to the first cup across the second cup, and configured to recover a third processing liquid supplied from the processing liquid supply unit. A second recovery portion is defined by the peripheral wall portion and a second peripheral wall portion that is erected on a bottom portion of the second cup on an outer peripheral side of the peripheral wall portion, the cleaning liquid overflowing from the peripheral wall portion to the second cup side is recovered through the second recovery portion, and the second peripheral wall portion is cleaned by causing some of the recovered cleaning liquid to overflow from the second peripheral wall portion to the third cup side.

The above-described substrate processing apparatus further includes a drain pipe connected to the recovery portion and configured to discharge the first processing liquid recovered in the recovery portion; and a valve configured to control the discharge of the first processing liquid from the drain pipe. The cleaning liquid supply unit supplies the cleaning liquid from the drain pipe to the recovery portion when the cleaning liquid supply unit is connected to the drain pipe at a position of an upstream side of the valve in a flow direction and the valve is closed.

In the above-described substrate processing apparatus, the cleaning liquid supply unit includes a substrate nozzle that ejects a substrate cleaning liquid to clean the substrate, and the substrate nozzle supplies the substrate cleaning liquid as a cleaning liquid for cleaning the peripheral wall portion to the recovery portion.

In the above-described substrate processing apparatus, the cleaning liquid supply unit includes a holding mechanism nozzle that ejects a holding mechanism cleaning liquid to clean a holding mechanism including the holding unit, and the holding mechanism nozzle supplies the holding mechanism cleaning liquid as a cleaning liquid for cleaning the peripheral wall portion to the recovery portion.

In the above-described substrate processing apparatus, the first cleaning liquid includes a mixed solution of sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide, and a heat exchange unit is further provided to perform a heat exchange between the mixed solution and the cleaning liquid.

According to another an exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of cleaning a substrate processing apparatus including: a holding unit configured to hold a substrate; a processing liquid supply unit configured to supply a first processing liquid and a second processing liquid to the substrate; a first cup configured to recover the first processing liquid; a second cup disposed adjacent to the first cup and configured to recover the second processing liquid; a recovery portion defined by a peripheral wall portion that is erected on a bottom portion of the first cup; and a cleaning liquid supply unit configured to supply a cleaning liquid to the recovery portion. The method includes supplying the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid supply unit to the recovery portion; and causing the supplied cleaning liquid to overflow from the peripheral wall portion to the second cup side so as to clean the peripheral wall portion.

In the above-described method, the first cup includes a liquid receiving portion provided above the peripheral wall portion to surround a periphery of the substrate held by the holding unit and configured to receive the first processing liquid scattered from the substrate, and the cleaning liquid supplied by the cleaning liquid supply unit is caused to overflow from a gap between the peripheral wall portion and the liquid receiving portion to the second cup side.

The above-described method, the first cup further includes: a support member configured to support the liquid receiving portion, and move up and down the liquid receiving portion with respect to the peripheral wall portion, and an insertion hole formed inside the peripheral wall portion to allow the support member to be inserted therethrough. The support member is cleaned by introducing the cleaning liquid overflowing from the peripheral wall portion into the insertion hole.

According to an aspect of the exemplary embodiment, it is possible to remove foreign matters attached to the peripheral wall portion of the cup.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of a substrate processing apparatus and a substrate processing method disclosed herein will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Further, the present disclosure is not limited to the following exemplary embodiments.

<1. Configuration of Substrate Processing System>

FIG. 1is a view illustrating a schematic configuration of a substrate processing system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In the following, in order to clarify positional relationships, the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis which are orthogonal to each other will be defined. The positive Z-axis direction will be regarded as a vertically upward direction.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, a substrate processing system1includes a carry-in/out station2and a processing station3. The carry-in/out station2and the processing station3are provided adjacent to each other.

The carry-in/out station2is provided with a carrier placing section11and a transfer section12. In the carrier placing section11, a plurality of carriers C is placed to accommodate a plurality of substrates (semiconductor wafers in the present exemplary embodiment) (hereinafter, referred to as “wafers W”) horizontally.

The transfer section12is provided adjacent to the carrier placing section11, and provided with a substrate transfer device13and a delivery unit14therein. The substrate transfer device13is provided with a wafer holding mechanism configured to hold the wafer W. Further, the substrate transfer device13is movable horizontally and vertically and pivotable around a vertical axis. The substrate transfer device13transfers the wafers W between the carriers C and the delivery unit14by using the wafer holding mechanism.

The processing station3is provided adjacent to the transfer section12. The processing station3is provided with a transfer section15and a plurality of processing units16. The plurality of processing units16are arranged at both sides of the transfer section15.

The transfer section15is provided with a substrate transfer device17therein. The substrate transfer device17is provided with a wafer holding mechanism configured to hold the wafer W. Further, the substrate transfer device17is movable horizontally and vertically and pivotable around a vertical axis. The substrate transfer device17transfers the wafers W between the delivery unit14and the processing units16by using the wafer holding mechanism.

The processing units16perform a predetermined substrate processing on the wafers W transferred by the substrate transfer device17.

Further, the substrate processing system1is provided with a control device4. The control device4is, for example, a computer, and includes a controller18and a storage unit19. The storage unit19stores a program that controls various processings performed in the liquid processing system1. The controller18controls the operations of the liquid processing system1by reading and executing the program stored in the storage unit19.

Further, the program may be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium, and installed from the recording medium to the storage unit19of the control device4. The computer-readable recording medium may be, for example, a hard disc (HD), a flexible disc (FD), a compact disc (CD), a magnet optical disc (MO), or a memory card.

In the substrate processing system1configured as described above, the substrate transfer device13of the carry-in/out station2first takes out a wafer W from a carrier C placed in the carrier placing section11, and then, places the taken wafer W on the transfer unit14. The wafer W placed on the transfer unit14is taken out from the transfer unit14by the substrate transfer device17of the processing station3, and carried into a processing unit16.

The wafer W carried into the processing unit16is processed by the processing unit16, and then, carried out from the processing unit16and placed on the delivery unit14by the substrate transfer device17. After the processing of placing the wafer W on the delivery unit14, the wafer W returns to the carrier C of the carrier placing section11by the substrate transfer device13.

Next, a schematic configuration of the processing unit16of the substrate processing system1will be described with reference toFIG. 2.FIG. 2is a view illustrating a schematic configuration of a processing unit16.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, the processing unit16is provided with a chamber20, a substrate holding mechanism30, a processing fluid supply unit40, and a recovery cup50.

The chamber20accommodates the substrate holding mechanism30, the processing fluid supply unit40, and the recovery cup50. A fan filter unit (FFU)21is provided on the ceiling of the chamber20. The FFU21forms a downflow within the chamber20.

The substrate holding mechanism30is provided with a holding unit31, a support unit32, and a driving unit33. The holding unit31holds the wafer W horizontally. The support unit32is a vertically extending member, and has a base end portion supported rotatably by the driving unit33and a tip end portion supporting the holding unit31horizontally. The driving unit33rotates the support unit32around the vertical axis. The substrate holding mechanism30rotates the support unit32by using the driving unit33, so that the holding unit31supported by the support unit32is rotated, and hence, the wafer W held in the holding unit31is rotated.

The processing fluid supply unit40supplies a processing fluid onto the wafer W. The processing fluid supply unit40is connected to a processing fluid source70.

The recovery cup50is disposed to surround the holding unit31, and collects the processing liquid scattered from the wafer W by the rotation of the holding unit31. A drain port51is formed on the bottom of the recovery cup50, and the processing liquid collected by the recovery cup50is discharged from the drain port51to the outside of the processing unit16. Further, an exhaust port52is formed on the bottom of the recovery cup50to discharge a gas supplied from the FFU21to the outside of the processing unit16.

<2. Specific Configuration of Processing Unit>

Next, a specific configuration of the processing unit16will be described with reference toFIG. 3.FIG. 3is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a specific configuration example of the processing unit16.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, the FFU21is connected with an inert gas source23via a valve22. The FFU21ejects an inert gas (e.g., N2gas), which is supplied from the inert gas source23, into the chamber20as a downflow gas. Thus, when the inert gas is used as a downflow gas, the wafer W may be suppressed from being oxidized.

A holding member311is provided on the holding unit31of the substrate holding mechanism30to hold the wafer W from the lateral side. The wafer W is held horizontally in a state of being slightly spaced apart from the upper surface of the holding unit31by the holding member311.

The processing fluid supply unit40includes a nozzle41, an arm42that horizontally supports the nozzle41, and a pivoting and lifting mechanism43that pivots and lifts the arm42. One end of a pipe (not illustrated) is connected to the nozzle41, and the other end of the pipe is branched into a plurality of pipes. Then, the ends of the branched pipes are connected with an alkaline processing liquid source70a, an acidic processing liquid source70b, an organic processing liquid source70c, and a DIW source70d, respectively. Further, one of valves60ato60dis provided between each of the sources70ato70dand the nozzle41.

The processing fluid supply unit40supplies an alkaline processing liquid, an acidic processing liquid, an organic processing liquid, and a DIW (pure water at room temperature) supplied from the sources70ato70d, respectively, onto the front surface of the wafer W from the nozzle41.

In the above description, the front surface of the wafer W is subjected to a liquid processing, but is not limited thereto. For example, the rear surface or the peripheral portion of the wafer W may be subjected to a liquid processing. In addition, in the present exemplary embodiment, the alkaline processing liquid, the acidic processing liquid, the organic processing liquid, and DIW are supplied from a single nozzle41, but the processing fluid supply unit40may be provided with a plurality of nozzles corresponding to the processing liquids, respectively.

A first rotary cup101and a second rotary cup102are provided in the peripheral portion of the holding unit31to rotate integrally with the holding unit31. As illustrated inFIG. 3, the second rotary cup102is disposed inside the first rotary cup101.

The first rotary cup101and the second rotary cup are generally formed in a ring shape. As the first and second rotary cups101,102are rotated along with the holding unit31, the first and second rotary cups101,102guide the processing liquid scattered from the rotating wafer W into the recovery cup50.

The recovery cup50includes a first cup50a, a second cup50b, and a third cup50cin this order from the inner side close to the rotation center of the rotating wafer W held by the holding unit31. Further, the recovery cup50includes a cylindrical inner wall portion54daround the rotation center of the wafer W, on the inner peripheral side of the first cup50a.

The first to third cups50ato50cand the inner wall portion54dare provided on a bottom portion53of the recovery cup50. Specifically, the first cup50aincludes a first peripheral wall portion54aand a first liquid receiving portion55a.

The first peripheral wall portion54aare erected on the bottom portion53, and is formed in a tubular (e.g., cylindrical) shape. A space is defined between the first peripheral wall portion54aand the inner wall portion54d, and the space serves as a first drain groove501ato recover and discharge, for example, the processing liquid. The first liquid receiving portion55ais provided above an upper surface54a1of the first peripheral wall portion54a.

Further, the first cup50aincludes a first lifting mechanism56. Thus, the first cup50ais liftable by the lifting mechanism56. Particularly, the first lifting mechanism56includes a first support member56aand a first lift driving unit56b.

The first support member56ais an elongated member. There is provided a plurality of (e.g., three (3)) first support member56a, only one of which is illustrated inFIG. 3. The first support member56ais movably inserted through an insertion hole formed inside the first peripheral wall portion54. The first support member56amay be, for example, a cylindrical rod, but is not limited thereto.

The first support member56ais positioned such that the upper end thereof is exposed from the upper surface54a1of the first peripheral wall portion Ma, and connected to the lower surface of the first receiving portion55ato support the first liquid receiving portion55afrom the lower side thereof. Meanwhile, the first lift driving unit56bis connected to the lower end of the first support member56a.

The first lift driving unit56blifts the first support member56a, for example, in the Z-axis direction. Accordingly, the first support member56alifts the first liquid receiving portion55awith respect to the first peripheral wall portion Ma. An air cylinder may be used as the first lift driving unit56b. Further, the first lift driving unit56bis controlled by the control device4.

The first liquid receiving portion55adriven by the first lift driving unit56bis moved between a processing position where the processing liquid scattered from the rotating wafer W is received and a retreat position retreated from the processing position to the lower side.

Specifically, when the first liquid receiving portion55ais positioned at the processing position, an opening is formed inside the upper end of the first liquid receiving portion55a, and a flow path is formed to lead from the opening to the first drain groove501a.

Meanwhile, as illustrated inFIG. 3, the inner wall portion54dincludes an extension54d1that extends to be inclined toward the peripheral edge portion of the holding unit31. When the first liquid receiving portion55ais positioned at the retreat position, the first liquid receiving portion55acomes in contact with the extension54d1of the inner wall portion54d, and the opening inside the upper end is closed so that the flow path leading to the first drain groove501ais closed.

The second cup50bhas the same configuration as the first cup50a. Specifically, the second cup50bincludes a second peripheral wall portion54b, a second liquid receiving portion55b, and a second lifting mechanism57, and is disposed adjacent to the first peripheral wall portion54aside of the first cup50a.

The second peripheral wall portion54bis erected on the outer peripheral side of the first peripheral wall portion54ain the bottom portion53, and formed in a tubular shape. In addition, a space defined between the second peripheral wall portion54band the first peripheral wall portion54aserves as a second drain groove501bto recover and discharge, for example, the processing liquid.

The second liquid receiving portion55bis positioned on the outer peripheral side of the first liquid receiving portion55a, and provided above an upper surface54b1of the second peripheral wall portion54b.

The second lifting mechanism57includes a second support member57aand a second lift driving unit57b. The second support member57ais an elongated member. There is provided a plurality of (e.g., three (3)) second support members57a, only one of which is illustrated inFIG. 3, and movably inserted through an insertion hole formed in the second peripheral wall portion54b. The second support member57amay be, for example, a cylindrical rod, but not limited thereto.

The second support member57ais positioned such that the upper end is exposed from the upper surface54b1of the first peripheral wall portion54a, and connected to the lower surface of the second receiving portion55bto support the second liquid receiving portion55bfrom the lower side thereof. The upper surface54b1of the second peripheral wall portion54bis positioned to be lower than the upper surface54a1of the first peripheral wall portion54ain the vertical direction.

The second lift driving unit57bis connected to the lower end of the second support member57a. The second lift driving unit57blifts the second support member57a, for example, in the Z-axis direction. Accordingly, the second support member57alifts the second liquid receiving portion55bwith respect to the second peripheral wall portion.

An air cylinder may be used as the second lift driving unit57b. Further, the second lift driving unit57bis also controlled by the control device4.

In addition, the second liquid receiving portion55bis also moved between the processing position and the retreat position. Specifically, when the second liquid receiving portion55bis positioned at the processing position and the first liquid receiving portion55ais positioned at the retreat position, an opening is formed inside the upper end of the second liquid receiving portion55b, and a flow path is formed to lead from the opening to the second drain groove501b.

Meanwhile, as illustrated inFIG. 3, when the second liquid receiving portion55bis positioned at the retreat position, the second liquid receiving portion55bcomes in contact with the first liquid receiving portion55a, and the opening inside the upper end is closed so that the flow path leading to the second drain groove501bis closed. In the above description, the second liquid receiving portion55bat the retreat position comes in contact with the first liquid receiving portion55a, but is not limited thereto. For example, the second liquid receiving portion55bat the retreat position may come in contact with the inner wall portion54bto close the opening inside the upper end.

The third cup50cincludes a third peripheral wall portion54cand a third liquid receiving portion55c, and is disposed adjacent to an opposite side to the first cup50aacross the second cup50b. The third peripheral wall portion54cis erected on the outer peripheral side of the second peripheral wall portion54bin the bottom portion53, and formed in a tubular shape. In addition, a space defined between the third peripheral wall portion Mc and the second peripheral wall portion54bserves as a third drain groove501cto recover and discharge, for example, the processing liquid.

The third liquid receiving portion55cis formed to be continuous from the upper end of the third peripheral wall portion Mc. The third liquid receiving portion55cis formed to surround the periphery of the wafer W held by the holding unit31and extend up to the upper side of the first liquid receiving portion55aor the second liquid receiving portion55b.

In the third liquid receiving portion55c, when the first and second liquid receiving portions55a,55bare positioned at the retreat position as illustrated inFIG. 3, an opening is formed inside the upper end of the third liquid receiving portion55c, and a flow path is formed to lead from the opening to the third drain groove501c.

Meanwhile, when the second receiving portion55bis positioned at an ascending position, or when the firs liquid receiving portion55aand the second liquid receiving portion55bare positioned at an ascending position, the third liquid receiving portion55ccomes in contact with the second liquid receiving portion55b, and the opening inside the upper end is closed so that the flow path leading to the third drain groove501cis closed.

In the bottom portion53corresponding to the first to third cups50ato50c(more precisely, in the bottom portion53corresponding to the first to third drain grooves501ato501c), drain ports51ato51care formed to be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the recovery cup50.

Here, descriptions will be made on a case where the processing liquid discharged from the drain port51ais an acidic processing liquid, the processing liquid discharged from the drain port51bis an alkaline processing liquid, and the processing liquid discharged from the drain port51cis an organic processing liquid. The kind of the processing liquids discharged from the respective drain ports51ato51cis merely illustrative, and is not limited thereto.

The drain port51ais connected to a drain pipe91a. A valve62ais interposed in the drain pipe91a, which is then branched into a first drain pipe91a1and a second drain pipe91a2at the position of the valve62a. The valve62amay be, for example, a three-way valve that is switchable between a valve closing position, a position of opening the discharge path to the first drain pipe91a1side, and a position of opening the discharge path to the second drain pipe91a2side.

When the acidic processing liquid is re-usable, the first drain pipe91a1is connected to the acidic processing liquid source70b(e.g., a tank that stores the acidic processing liquid), so that the drained liquid returns to the acidic processing liquid source70b. That is, the first drain pipe91a1functions as a circulation line. The second drain pipe91a2will be described later.

The drain port51bis connected to a drain pipe91b. A valve62bis interposed in the middle of the drain pipe91b. In addition, the drain port51cis connected to a drain pipe91c. A valve62cis interposed in the middle of the drain pipe91c. The valves62b,62care controlled by the control device4.

In addition, when performing a substrate processing, the processing unit16lifts the first liquid receiving portion55aof the first cup50aor the second liquid receiving portion55bof the second cup50b, depending on the kind of the processing liquid to be used in each processing during the substrate processing, to perform the switching of the drain ports51ato51c.

For example, when the wafer W is processed by ejecting the acidic processing liquid to the wafer W, the control device4opens the valve60bin a state of rotating the holding unit31at a predetermined rotational speed by controlling the driving unit33of the substrate holding mechanism30.

At this time, the control device4moves up the first cup50a. That is, the control device4moves up the first and second support members56a,57aby the first and second lift driving units56b,57band moves up the first liquid receiving portion55ato the processing position, so that a flow path is formed to lead from the opening inside the upper end of the first receiving portion55ato the first drain groove501a. Thus, the acidic processing liquid supplied to the wafer W flows downward into the first drain groove501a.

Further, the control device4controls the valve62ato open the discharge path to the first drain pipe91a1side. Thus, the acidic processing liquid flowing into the first drain groove501areturns to the acidic processing liquid source70bthrough the drain pipe91aand the first drain pipe91a1. Then, the acidic processing liquid which has returned to the acidic processing liquid source70bis supplied to the wafer W again. Therefore, the first cup50ais connected to the circulation line that supplies the recovered acidic processing liquid to the wafer W again.

Further, for example, when the wafer W is processed by ejecting the alkaline processing liquid to the wafer W, the control device4similarly opens the valve60ain a state of rotating the holding unit31at a predetermined rotational speed by controlling the driving unit33.

At this time, the control device4moves up the second cup50bonly. That is, the control device4moves up the second support member57aby the second lift driving unit57band moves up the second liquid receiving portion55bto the processing position, so that a flow path is formed to lead from the opening inside the upper end of the second receiving portion55bto the second drain groove501b. Here, it is assumed that the first cup50ais moved down. Thus, the alkaline processing liquid supplied to the wafer W flows downward into the second drain groove501b.

Further, the control device4opens the valve62b. Thus, the alkaline processing liquid in the second drain groove is discharged to the outside of the processing unit16through the drain pipe91b. Therefore, the drain pipe91bfunctions as a drain line that discharges the recovered second processing liquid to the outside of the processing unit16. That is, the second cup50bis connected to the drain line.

Further, for example, when the wafer W is processed by ejecting the organic processing liquid to the wafer W, the control device4similarly opens the valve60cin a state of rotating the holding unit31at a predetermined rotational speed by controlling the driving unit33.

At this time, the control device4moves up the first and second cups50a,50b(see, e.g.,FIG. 3). That is, the control device4moves down the first and second support members56a,57aby the first and second lift driving units56b,57band moves down the first and second liquid receiving portions55a,55bto the retreat position. Thus, a flow path is formed to lead from the opening inside the upper end of the first receiving portion55cto the third drain groove501cThus, the organic processing liquid supplied to the wafer W flows downward into the third drain groove501c.

Further, the control device4opens the valve62c, so that the organic processing liquid in the third drain groove501cis discharged to the outside of the processing unit16through the drain pipe91c. Therefore, the third cup50cis also connected to a drain line that discharges the recovered third processing liquid to the outside of the processing unit16(e.g., the drain pipe91c).

The discharge paths of the acidic processing liquid, the alkaline processing liquid, the organic processing liquid, and the cleaning liquid are illustrative, and are not limited thereto. That is, for example, the respective drain ports51ato51cmay be connected to a single drain pipe. The single drain pipes may be provided with a plurality of valves depending on the property of the processing liquid (e.g., acidic or alkaline), and the discharge paths may be branched from the positions of the valves.

Further, the drain pipe91bis connected with a drain pipe92ain communication with the insertion hole through which the first support member56ais inserted into the first peripheral wall portion54a. The drain pipe92adischarges, for example, a cleaning liquid infiltrated to the insertion hole of the first peripheral wall portion54a(to be described later), and the cleaning liquid is discharged to the outside of the processing unit16through the drain pipe91b.

Further, the drain pipe91cis connected with a drain pipe92bin communication with the insertion hole through which the second support member57ais inserted into the second peripheral wall portion54b. The drain pipe92bdischarges, for example, a cleaning liquid infiltrated to the insertion hole of the second peripheral wall portion54b, and the cleaning liquid is discharged to the outside of the processing unit16through the drain pipe91c.

Exhaust ports52a,52b,52care formed in the bottom portion of the recovery cup50, the first peripheral wall portion54a, and the second peripheral wall portion54b, respectively. Further, the exhaust ports52a,52b,52care connected to a single exhaust pipe, and the exhaust pipe is branched into first to third exhaust pipes93ato93cat the downstream side of the exhaust. Further, a valve64ais interposed in the first exhaust pipe93a. A valve64bis interposed in the second exhaust pipe93b. A valve64cis interposed in the third exhaust pipe93c.

The first exhaust pipe93ais an exhaust pipe for an acidic exhaust. The second exhaust pipe93bis an exhaust pipe for an alkaline exhaust. The third exhaust pipe93cis an exhaust pipe for an organic exhaust. These exhaust pipes are switched by the control device4depending on each process of the substrate processing.

For example, when performing a processing of generating an acidic exhaust, the switching to the first exhaust pipe93ais performed by the control device4, and the acidic exhaust is discharged via the valve64a. Similarly, when performing a processing of generating an alkaline exhaust, the switching to the second exhaust pipe93bis performed by the control device4, and the alkaline exhaust is discharged via the valve64b. Further, when performing a processing of generating an organic exhaust, the switching to the third exhaust pipe93cis performed by the control device4, and the organic exhaust is discharged via the valve64c.

Hereinafter, in the present exemplary embodiment, it is assumed that SPM (a mixed solution of sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide) is used as the acidic processing liquid. Further, it is assumed that SC1 (a mixed solution of ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, and water) is used as the alkaline processing liquid, and isopropyl alcohol (IPA) is used as the organic processing liquid.

Further, SPM is an example of the first processing liquid. In addition, SC1 is an example of the second processing liquid, and IPA is an example of the third processing liquid. In addition, the kinds of the acidic processing liquid, the alkaline processing liquid, and the organic processing liquid are not limited to those described above.

However, when SPM and SC1 are used in the processing unit16as described above, it has been found that foreign matters (e.g., crystals) are attached to, for example, the first peripheral wall portion54aof the first cup50a.

Specifically, for example, when the wafer W is processed with SC1, the SC1 supplied to the wafer W is recovered by the second cup50b, and then discharged through the drain pipe91b. Further, when a processing is performed with SPM, the SPM supplied to the wafer W is recovered by the first cup50a, and then discharged through the drain pipe91a.

However, some of the SC1 or SPM may remain in the first cup50aor the second cup50b, depending on the discharge environment of the respective processing liquids. In that case, the remaining SC1 and SPM may react with each other to generate crystals.

Specifically, it has been found that the ammonia component of the SC1 and the sulfuric acid component of the SPM may react with each other to generate ammonium sulfate crystals, and the crystals may be attached to the first peripheral wall portion54aof the first cup50aas foreign matters. The crystals as described above are not limited to the combination of the SC1 and SPM, but may be generated by combinations of other kinds of processing liquids.

Therefore, the processing unit16according to the exemplary embodiment is configured to supply a cleaning liquid to, for example, the first peripheral wall portion54aof the first cup50a. As a result, the foreign matters (e.g., crystals) attached to, for example, the first peripheral wall portion54amay be removed.

<3. Specific Configuration of Cleaning Liquid Supply Unit>

Hereinafter, detailed descriptions will be made on a configuration of a cleaning liquid supply unit80that supplies a cleaning liquid to, for example, the first peripheral wall portion54awith reference toFIG. 4Aand subsequent drawings.FIG. 4Ais a cross-sectional view for explaining a configuration of a cleaning liquid supply unit80and the first to third cups50ato50cin an enlarged scale.

As illustrated inFIG. 4A, the cleaning liquid supply unit80of the processing unit16includes a cleaning liquid supply pipe81aand a valve82a. One end of the cleaning liquid supply pipe81ais connected to a cleaning liquid source83, while the other end thereof is connected to the drain pipe91aof the first cup50a. Specifically, the valve62acontrols the discharge of the SPM in the drain pipe91a, and the other end of the cleaning liquid supply pipe81ais connected to the drain pipe91aat a position of an upstream side of the valve62ain a flow direction.

The valve82ais provided in the cleaning liquid supply pipe81aand is controlled by the control device4. The cleaning liquid supplied by the cleaning liquid supply unit80may be DIW, but is not limited thereto.

Here, descriptions will be made on the drain pipe91ato which the cleaning liquid supply pipe81ais connected. Since the SPM (acidic processing liquid) flowing through the drain pipe91ais reusable as described above, the SPM returns to the acidic processing liquid source70band is supplied from the acidic processing liquid source70bto the wafer W again.

Specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 4A, the acidic processing liquid source70bof the processing fluid supply unit40includes a tank110that stores the SPM, and a circulation line111that connects the tank110and the nozzle41.

The tank110is connected with an end of the first drain pipe91a1on the back stream side of the drain pipe91a, so that the SPM flowing through the first drain pipe91a1flows into the tank110and is stored therein. Further, the tank110is connected to a replenishment part114to replenish the SPM, and is also connected to a drain part115to discard the SPM in the tank110.

A pump112is provided in the circulation line111. The pump112pumps the SPM flowing out from the tank110toward the nozzle41. Further, a filter113is provided in the circulation line111at the downstream side of the pump112to remove contaminants such as particles included in the SPM. An auxiliary equipment (e.g., a heater) may be further provided in the circulation line111as necessary.

Next, configurations of the first cup50aand the second cup50bwill be further described. As illustrated inFIG. 4A, an insertion hole59athrough which the first support member56ais inserted as described above is formed inside the first peripheral wall portion54aof the first cup50a. The insertion hole59aincludes an opening59a1formed on the upper surface54a1of the first peripheral wall portion54a.

In addition, in the cup50a, a space is defined between the first peripheral wall portion54aand the first liquid receiving portion55a, specifically, between the upper surface54a1of the first peripheral wall portion54aand a lower surface55a1of the first liquid receiving portion55a, which is a part facing the upper surface54a1. The cleaning liquid may flow through this space, which will be described later. The first peripheral wall portion54ais an example of the peripheral wall portion, and the first liquid receiving portion55ais an example of the liquid receiving portion.

An insertion hole59bthrough which the second support member57ais inserted is formed inside the second peripheral wall portion54bof the second cup50bas well. The insertion hole59bof the second peripheral wall portion54bincludes an opening59b1formed on the upper surface54b1of the second peripheral wall portion54b.

In addition, in the cup50b, a space is defined between the second peripheral wall portion54band the second liquid receiving portion55b, specifically, between the upper surface54b1of the second peripheral wall portion54band the lower surface55b1of the second liquid receiving portion55b, which is a part facing the upper surface54b1, so that the cleaning liquid may flow therethrough.

Then, a cleaning processing is performed on, for example, the first peripheral wall portion54aconfigured as described above.FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4Care views for explaining the cleaning processing in the exemplary embodiment.

More specifically, the control device4opens the valve82awhen performing the cleaning processing of, for example, the first peripheral wall portion54a. At this time, the control device4closes the valve62a, the valve62b, and the valve62c.

Therefore, as illustrated inFIG. 4A, a cleaning liquid L of the cleaning liquid source83is ejected from the drain port54ato the first drain groove501athrough the cleaning liquid supply pipe81a, the valve82a, and the drain pipe91a. Thus, the cleaning liquid supply unit80supplies the cleaning liquid L from the drain pipe91ato the first drain groove501aof the first cup50awhen, for example, the valve62ais closed. The first drain groove501ais an example of the recovery portion.

Then, the cleaning liquid L supplied by the cleaning liquid supply unit80is stored in the first drain groove501a, and the liquid level gradually rises. Further, when the cleaning liquid L is supplied by the cleaning liquid supply unit80, and the liquid level of the cleaning liquid L reaches the upper surface54a1of the first peripheral wall portion54a, the cleaning liquid L runs over the upper surface54a1of the first peripheral wall portion54aand overflows from the first peripheral wall portion54atoward the second cup50bside. The overflowing cleaning liquid L is stored in the second drain groove501bof the second cup50b, and the liquid level thereof gradually rises.

As a result, the upper surface54aor the lateral surface of the first peripheral wall portion54ais cleaned by the cleaning liquid L, and thus, the foreign matters (e.g., crystals) attached to the first peripheral wall portion54amay be removed. Since the crystals of ammonium sulfate have a relatively high water solubility, the crystals are removed while being dissolved in the cleaning liquid L.

Further, since a space is defined between the first peripheral wall portion54aand the first liquid receiving portion55aas described above, the cleaning liquid L overflows from the first peripheral wall portion54atoward the second cup50bside while flowing through the space between the first peripheral wall portion54aand the first liquid receiving portion55a. Therefore, in the exemplary embodiment, the cleaning liquid L supplied by the cleaning liquid supply unit80overflows from the space between the first peripheral wall portion54aand the first liquid receiving portion55atoward the second cup50bside. As a result, the foreign matters (e.g., crystals) present in the space between the first peripheral wall portion54aand the first liquid receiving portion55amay also be removed.

Further, when the cleaning liquid L overflows from the first peripheral wall portion Ma, the first liquid receiving portion55amay be moved down to such an extent that a part of the first liquid receiving portion55a, which faces the upper surface54a1of the first peripheral wall portion Ma, is cleaned by the cleaning liquid L. That is, as illustrated inFIG. 4B, for example, when the first liquid receiving portion55ais moved down to the retreat position, the cleaning liquid L overflowing from the first peripheral wall portion54ais supplied to the part of the first liquid receiving portion55a, which faces the upper surface54a1of the first peripheral wall portion Ma, that is, the lower surface55a1. As a result, foreign matters attached to the lower surface55a1of the first peripheral wall portion55amay be removed.

The wording “the first liquid receiving portion55ais moved down to such an extent that the part of the liquid receiving portion55a, which faces the upper surface Mal of the peripheral wall portion Ma, is cleaned by the cleaning liquid L” means that the first liquid receiving portion55ais moved down such that the upper surface Mal of the first peripheral wall portion54aand the lower surface55a1of the first liquid receiving portion55aare spaced apart up to a distance where the cleaning liquid L splashes onto the lower surface55a1, but is not limited thereto.

Further, the part on the upper surface54a1of the first peripheral wall portion54aor the lower surface55a1of the first liquid receiving portion55aand the part between the first peripheral wall portion54aand the first liquid receiving portion55aare areas to which the mixed liquid of the SPM remaining in the first cup50aand the SC1 remaining in the second cup50bis likely to be attached. In the exemplary embodiment, cleaning is performed by supplying the cleaning liquid L to a part to which the mixed liquid of the SPM and the SC1 may be attached to generate crystals.

That is, in the exemplary embodiment, the part of the peripheral wall portion54ato be cleaned by the cleaning liquid supply unit80includes a part to which the mixed liquid of the SPM (the first processing liquid) and the SC1 (the second processing liquid) is attached. Therefore, it is possible to clean a part of the first peripheral wall portion54ato which foreign matters (e.g., crystals) are likely to be attached, thereby effectively removing the foreign matters.

Further, the foreign matters (e.g., crystals) may be attached to, for example, the first support member56ain addition to the first peripheral wall portion ∛a. Therefore, the cleaning liquid supply unit80according to the exemplary embodiment also cleans the first support member56aby supplying the cleaning liquid L thereto.

Specifically, the insertion hole59aaccording to the exemplary embodiment has the opening59a1formed on the upper surface54a1of the first peripheral wall portion54aas described above. Thus, as illustrated inFIG. 4B, the cleaning liquid L overflowing to the second cup50balong the upper surface54a1of the first peripheral wall portion54aflows from the upper surface Mal into the insertion hole59athrough the opening59a1and remains in the insertion hole59a. Therefore, the outer periphery of the first support member56aand the insertion hole59amay be cleaned so that foreign matters attached to the outer periphery of the first support member56aand the insertion hole59amay be removed.

Descriptions have been made on the case of performing the cleaning processing in a state where the first liquid receiving portion55ais moved down, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The cleaning processing may be performed in a state where the first liquid receiving portion55ais moved up.

Further, the control device4may control the first lift driving unit56bto move up the first support member56aand performs the cleaning processing while moving up and down the first liquid receiving portion55a. Therefore, the first support member56ais moved inside the insertion hole59awhich is filled with the cleaning liquid L. Thus, foreign matters attached to the outer periphery of the first support member56amay be efficiently removed.

Further, when the cleaning liquid L is supplied from the cleaning liquid supply unit80, the liquid level of the cleaning liquid L in the second drain groove501breaches the upper surface54b1of the second peripheral wall portion54b. The second drain groove501bis an example of the second recovery portion.

Therefore, as illustrated inFIG. 4C, the cleaning liquid L runs over the upper surface54b1of the second peripheral wall portion54band overflows from the second peripheral wall portion54btoward the third cup50cside. The overflowing cleaning liquid L is stored in the third drain groove501cof the third cup50c.

Therefore, in the exemplary embodiment, the cleaning liquid L overflowing from the first liquid receiving portion55ato the second cup50bis recovered by the second drain groove501bof the second cup50b. Then, some of the recovered cleaning liquid L overflows from the second peripheral wall portion54bto the third cup50c.

As a result, the upper surface54b1or the lateral surface of the second peripheral wall portion54bis cleaned by the cleaning liquid L, and thus, the foreign matters attached to the second peripheral wall portion54bmay be removed. Further, since the cleaning liquid L flows through the space between the second peripheral wall portion54band the second liquid receiving portion55bas in the first peripheral wall portion Ma, the foreign matters present in the space between the second peripheral wall portion54band the second liquid receiving portion55bmay also be removed.

Further, when the cleaning liquid L overflows from the second peripheral wall portion54b, the second liquid receiving portion55bmay be moved down to such an extent that a part of the second liquid receiving portion55b, which faces the upper surface54b1of the second peripheral wall portion54b, is cleaned by the cleaning liquid L. That is, as illustrated inFIG. 4C, for example, when the second liquid receiving portion55bis moved down to the retreat position, the cleaning liquid L overflowing from the second peripheral wall portion54bis supplied to the lower surface55b1of the second liquid receiving portion55b. As a result, foreign matters attached to the lower surface55b1of the second peripheral wall portion55bmay be removed.

Further, as illustrated inFIG. 4C, the cleaning liquid L overflowing to the third cup50calong the upper surface54b1of the second peripheral wall portion54bflows from the upper surface54b1into the insertion hole59bthrough the opening59b1and remains in the insertion hole59b. Therefore, the outer periphery of the second support member57aand the insertion hole59bmay be cleaned so that foreign matters attached to the outer periphery of the second support member57aand the insertion hole59bmay be removed.

As in the case of the first liquid receiving portion55a, the cleaning processing may be performed in a state where the second liquid receiving portion55bis moved up. Alternatively, the cleaning processing may be performed while moving up and down the second liquid receiving portion55b.

Further, since the processing unit16according to the exemplary embodiment has a configuration as described above, the cleaning liquid L after the cleaning, which contains SC1 or IPA, may be suppressed from flowing into the acidic processing liquid source70bserving as a source of SPM.

Specifically, the cleaning liquid supply unit80supplies the cleaning liquid L to the first drain groove501aof the first cup50aconnected with the drain pipe91aserving as a circulation line of SPM. Then, the cleaning liquid L supplied to the first cup50aoverflows sequentially to the second cup50band the third cup50cconnected with the drain pipes91b,91c, respectively, which serve as drain lines.

Thus, for example, the cleaning liquid L after the cleaning, which contains the SC1 remaining in the second drain groove501b, flows from the second cup50bto the third cup50c, but does not flow into the first cup50a. Similarly, the cleaning liquid L after the cleaning, which contains the IPC remaining in the third drain groove501c, remains in the third cup50c, but does not flow from the third cup50cinto the second cup50bor the first cup50a.

Therefore, the cleaning liquid L after the cleaning, which contains SC1 or IPA, may be suppressed from flowing into the acidic processing liquid source70bserving as a source of SPM. Since the SC1 or the IPA is suppressed from being incorporated into the acidic processing liquid source70bserving as a source of SPM, the recovered SPM may be reused for the supply to the wafer W.

Further, as described above, the upper surface54b1of the second peripheral wall portion54bis positioned below the upper surface54a1of the first peripheral wall portion54ain the vertical direction. Thus, since the cleaning liquid L after the cleaning, which remains in the second drain groove501bof the second cup50b, securely overflow to the third cup50cside, the cleaning liquid L may be suppressed from flowing into the first cup50aside. Therefore, the cleaning liquid L after the cleaning, which contains, for example, SC1, may be further suppressed from flowing into the acidic processing liquid source70bserving as a source of SPM.

<4. Specific Configuration of Substrate Processing System>

Next, descriptions will be made on the contents of a substrate processing performed in the substrate processing system1according to the exemplary embodiment with reference toFIG. 5.

FIG. 5is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the processing performed in the substrate processing system1according to the exemplary embodiment. The processing procedure illustrated inFIG. 5is performed according to the control of the controller18of the control device4.

As illustrated inFIG. 5, the processing unit16first performs a carry-in processing of a wafer W (step S1). In the carry-in processing, the wafer W is placed on the holding unit31by the substrate transfer device17(see, e.g.,FIG. 1), and the wafer W is then held by the holding unit31.

Subsequently, the processing unit16performs a first chemical liquid processing (step S2). In the first chemical liquid processing, the controller18first causes the driving unit33to rotate the holding unit31so that the wafer W is rotated. Subsequently, the controller18opens the valve60afor a predetermined time period to supply SC1 from the nozzle41to the front surface of the wafer W. Thus, the front surface of the wafer W is processed with the SC1.

Subsequently, the processing unit16performs a first rinse processing (step S3). In the first rinse processing, the controller18opens the valve60dfor a predetermined time period to supply DIW from the nozzle41to the wafer W. Thus, the SC1 remaining on the wafer W is washed out with the DIW.

Next, the processing unit16performs a second chemical liquid processing (step S4). In the second chemical liquid processing, the controller18opens the valve60bfor a predetermined time period to supply SPM from the nozzle41to the front surface of the wafer W. Thus, the front surface of the wafer W is processed with the SPM.

Subsequently, the processing unit16performs a second rinse processing (step S5). In the second rinse processing, the controller18opens the valve60dfor a predetermined time period to supply DIW from the nozzle41to the front surface of the wafer W. Thus, the SPM remaining on the wafer W is washed out with the DIW.

Next, the processing unit16performs a dry processing (step S6). In the dry processing, the controller18opens the valve60cfor a predetermined time period to supply IPA from the nozzle41to the front surface of the wafer W. Thus, the DIW remaining on the front surface of the wafer W is replaced with the IPA which is more volatile than the DIW. Thereafter, the IPA on the wafer W is shaken off so that the wafer W is dried.

Subsequently, the processing unit16performs a carry-out processing (step S7). In the carry-out processing, the controller18stops the rotation of the wafer W caused by the driving unit33, and then, the wafer W is carried out of the processing unit16by the substrate transfer device17(see, e.g.,FIG. 1). When the carry-out processing is completed, a series of substrate processings on one water W is completed.

Next, the processing unit16performs a cleaning processing to clean, for example, the first peripheral wall portion54a(step S8). The cleaning processing is not required to be performed whenever one wafer W is carried out. That is, a timing of performing the cleaning processing may be arbitrarily set. For example, the cleaning processing may be performed once after the substrate processing is performed on a plurality of wafers W. Further, the cleaning of the substrate holding mechanism30(to be described later) may be performed at the time of the processing of step S8.

The cleaning processing of, for example, the first peripheral wall portion54awill be described with reference toFIG. 6.FIG. 6is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary processing procedure of the cleaning processing of, for example, the first peripheral wall portion performed in the substrate processing system1.

As illustrated inFIG. 6, the controller18of the control device4closes the valves62a,62b,62c(step S10). Subsequently, the controller18opens the valve82aof the cleaning liquid supply unit80to supply the cleaning liquid L to the first drain groove501aof the first cup50a(step S11). Thus, the cleaning liquid L remains in the first drain groove501aof the first cup50a. The cleaning liquid L stored in the first drain groove501aoverflows to the second cup50band the third cup50cwith the lapse of time, so that the first peripheral wall portion54aor the second peripheral wall portion54bis cleaned.

Next, the controller18moves up and down the first and second liquid receiving portions55a,55bby driving the first and second support members56a,57aby the first and second lift driving units56b,57b(step S12). When the first and second liquid receiving portions55a,55bare moved up and down in this manner, the first and second support members56a,57aare moved inside the insertion holes59a,59b, respectively, which are filled with the cleaning liquid L, thereby being efficiently cleaned.

The processing of step S12is not necessarily required. For example, the first peripheral wall portion54amay be cleaned in a state where the first and second liquid receiving portions55a,55bare moved up or down without performing the processing of step S12.

Subsequently, when a predetermined time period has elapsed and the cleaning of, for example, the first peripheral wall portion54ais completed, the control section18closes the valve82aof the cleaning liquid supply unit80to stop the supply of the cleaning liquid L to the first drain groove501a(step S13).

Next, the controller18opens the valves62a,62b,62c(step S14). In step S14, the valve62ais opened such that the discharge path is opened to the second drain pipe91a2side.

Thus, the cleaning liquid L after the cleaning in the first drain groove501ais discharged to the outside of the processing unit16through the drain pipe91a, the valve62a, and the second drain pipe91a2. Further, the cleaning liquid L after the cleaning in the second drain groove501band the insertion hole59aflows to the valve62bthrough the drain pipe91bor the drain pipe92aand is discharged to the outside of the processing unit16. Similarly, the cleaning liquid L after the cleaning in the third drain groove501cand the insertion hole59bflows to the valve62cthrough the drain pipe91cor the drain pipe92band is discharged to the outside of the processing unit16. Therefore, the cleaning processing of, for example, the first peripheral wall portion54ais completed.

In the above descriptions, after the valves62a,62b,62care closed in step S10, the supply of the processing liquid L is started in step S11, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, for example, the processings of steps S10and S11may be performed at the same time, or the processing of step S10may be performed after the processing of step S11.

Further, after the supply of the cleaning liquid L is stopped in step S13, the valves62a,62b,62care opened in step S14, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The processings of steps S13and S14may be performed at the same time, or the processings of steps S14and S13may be performed sequentially in this order.

In addition, in the above descriptions, the valve62cis closed and the cleaning processing is performed, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the cleaning processing may be performed while sequentially discharging the cleaning liquid L after the cleaning, which flows into the third cup50cor the insertion hole59b.

Further, the supply amount of the cleaning liquid L supplied from the cleaning liquid supply unit80to the first drain groove501amay be set to be larger than the discharge amount of the cleaning liquid L discharged from the drain pipes91a,91b,91c. When the supply amount of the cleaning liquid L is set in this manner, even though the valves62a,62b,62care opened, the cleaning liquid L may overflow from the first cup50ato the second cup50band the third cup50cso that, for example, the first peripheral wall portion54amay be cleaned.

As described above, the processing unit16according to the first exemplary embodiment (corresponding to an example of the “substrate processing apparatus”) includes the holding unit31, the processing fluid supply unit40(corresponding to an example of the “processing liquid supply unit”), the first cup50a, the second cup50b, and the cleaning liquid supply unit80. The holding unit31holds the wafer W. The processing fluid supply unit40supplies SPM (the first processing liquid) and SC1 (the second processing liquid) to the wafer W.

The first cup50aincludes the first peripheral wall portion54aand recovers the SPM from the first drain groove501aformed by the first peripheral wall portion54a. The second cup50bis disposed adjacent to the first cup50aand recovers the SC1. The cleaning liquid supply unit80supplies the cleaning liquid L to the first drain groove501aof the first cup50a. In the processing unit16, the cleaning liquid L supplied by the cleaning liquid supply unit80overflows from the first peripheral wall portion54ato the second cup50bso that the first peripheral wall portion54ais cleaned. As a result, the foreign matters attached to the first peripheral wall portion54aof the first cup50amay also be removed.

In addition, the cleaning liquid supply unit80supplies the cleaning liquid L from the drain pipe91ato the first drain groove501aof the first cup50awhen the valve62ais closed. Therefore, with the simple configuration in which the cleaning liquid supply pipe81ais connected to the drain pipe91a, the cleaning liquid L may be supplied to the first drain groove501aof the first cup50a.

In the above descriptions, the cleaning liquid L is supplied from the drain pipe91ato the first drain groove501a, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, although not illustrated, for example, a nozzle may be disposed at a position directed to the first drain groove501a, and the cleaning liquid L may be supplied from the nozzle directly to the first drain groove501a.

Next, descriptions will be made on first to third modifications of the processing unit16according to the first exemplary embodiment. In the processing unit16in the first to third modifications, the supply path of the cleaning liquid L to the first drain groove501ais changed.

FIG. 7is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplary configuration of a processing unit16according to first to third modifications. In the first to third modifications, the cleaning liquid supply pipe81aor the valve82ain the first exemplary embodiment is removed.

As illustrated inFIG. 7, in the first modification, a substrate cleaning liquid for cleaning a wafer W is supplied as the cleaning liquid L for cleaning the first peripheral wall portion54ato the first drain groove501aof the first cup50a.

Specifically, the cleaning liquid supply unit80of the first modification includes a nozzle41that ejects the substrate cleaning liquid. The nozzle41is an example of the substrate nozzle. In addition, during the cleaning processing, the controller18of the control device4moves up the first and second cups50a,50bsuch that the first liquid receiving portion55ais positioned at the processing position. Thus, a flow path is formed to lead from an opening inside the upper end of the first liquid receiving portion55ato the first drain groove501a.

In addition, the controller18opens the valve60dto supply the substrate cleaning liquid (DIW) supplied from the DIW source70dfrom the nozzle41to the holding unit31. At this time, the controller18rotates the holding unit31by the driving unit33(see, e.g.,FIG. 3).

Therefore, as indicated by the arrow of the broken line inFIG. 7, the substrate cleaning liquid supplied from the nozzle41to the holding unit31is shaken off toward the outer peripheral outside of the holding unit31by a centrifugal force accompanying the rotation of the holding unit31, and the first liquid receiving portion55areceives the substrate cleaning liquid scattered from the holding unit31. The substrate cleaning liquid received in the first liquid receiving portion55aflows downwardly into the first drain groove501a, and the inflowing substrate cleaning liquid is used as the cleaning liquid L for cleaning the first peripheral wall portion54a.

Accordingly, in the first modification, the processing fluid supply unit40functions as the cleaning liquid supply unit80, and the nozzle41of the cleaning liquid supply unit80supplies the substrate cleaning liquid as the cleaning liquid L for cleaning the first peripheral wall portion54ato the first drain groove501a. Therefore, in the first modification, the cleaning liquid L may be supplied to the first drain groove501aof the first cup50ausing, for example, the existing DIW source70dor nozzle41.

Next, the second and third modifications will be described. In the second and third modifications, a holding mechanism cleaning liquid for cleaning the substrate holding mechanism30including the holding unit31is supplied as the cleaning liquid L for cleaning the first peripheral wall portion54ato the first drain groove501aof the first cup50a.

Specifically, in the processing unit16according to the second or third modification, the cleaning liquid supply unit80supplies the holding mechanism cleaning liquid to, for example, the substrate holding mechanism30, for example, at a timing when each process of the substrate processing is performed, thereby cleaning, for example, the substrate holding mechanism30.

Specifically, the cleaning liquid supply unit80includes nozzles84,85, cleaning liquid supply pipes81b,81c, and valves82b,82c. The nozzle84is disposed at a position directed to the support unit32. The nozzle84is connected to the cleaning liquid source83through the cleaning liquid supply pipe81band the valve82b.

The nozzle85is a nozzle for cleaning the rear surface of the holding unit31, and is disposed, for example, in the vicinity of the upper end of the inner wall portion54d. Further, the nozzle85includes first to third nozzles85ato85c.

The first nozzle85ais disposed, for example, at a position directed to the vicinity of the central portion on the rear surface of the holding portion31. Further, the second nozzle85bis disposed at a position directed to a circumferentially outward side from the vicinity of the central portion of the rear surface of the holding portion31, and the third nozzle85cis disposed at a position directed to the vicinity of the peripheral portion of the rear surface of the holding portion31. That is, the rear surface of the holding unit31is divided into three regions from the central portion toward the peripheral portion side, and the first to third nozzles85ato85care directed to the respective regions.

Further, the nozzles85ato85care connected to the cleaning liquid source83through the cleaning liquid supply pipe81cand the valve82c. In the example illustrated inFIG. 3, the first to third nozzles85ato85care connected to the cleaning liquid supply pipe81cbranched in the middle, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Each of the first to third nozzles85ato85cmay be connected to a separate cleaning liquid supply pipe. Further, in the above descriptions, the construction is made to include three (3) nozzles85(i.e., the nozzles85ato85c), but the number of nozzles is not limited thereto. The nozzles84,85are an example of the holding mechanism nozzle that ejects the holding mechanism cleaning liquid.

Further, when the cleaning processing is performed on the support unit32, the control device4opens the valve82bto supply the holding mechanism cleaning liquid from the nozzle84to, for example, the support unit32. In addition, when the cleaning processing is performed on the rear surface of the holding unit31, the control device4opens the valve82cto supply the holding mechanism cleaning liquid from the nozzle85to the rear surface of the holding unit31.

Then, after the substrate holding mechanism30is cleaned, the holding mechanism cleaning liquid is dropped to, for example, a central drain groove501dformed in the vicinity of the center on the inner circumferential side of the inner wall portion54d, and is discharged from the central drain groove501dto drain ports51d,51eformed in the bottom portion53of the recovery cup50. Specifically, the drain port51dhas an opening, for example, provided at a circumferentially inward side from the inner wall portion54din the bottom portion53, so that the holding mechanism cleaning liquid, which has flowed downwardly into the central drain groove501d, flows into the opening.

Further, the drain port51ehas an opening provided in the vicinity of the proximal end of the extension54d1of the inner wall portion54d, so that the holding mechanism cleaning liquid flowing from the extension54d1flows into the opening. The drain port51dis connected to the drain pipe91d, and the drain port51eis connected to the drain pipe91e. The drain pipes91d,91eare connected to the drain pipe91aat a position on the upstream side in the flow direction of the drainage of the valve62a.

During the cleaning processing of the substrate holding mechanism30, the control device4controls the valve62ato open the discharge path to the second drain pipe91a1side. Therefore, after the substrate holding mechanism30is cleaned, the holding mechanism cleaning liquid flows to the drain pipe91afrom the drain port51dthrough the drain pipe91d, or from the drain port51ethrough the drain pipe91e, and is then discharged to the outside of the processing unit16through the valve62aand the second drain pipe91a2.

Therefore, the holding mechanism cleaning liquid may be suppressed from flowing into the acidic processing liquid source70b. Further, the processing unit16may be reduced in size by partially sharing the discharge path of the acidic processing liquid and the discharge path of the holding mechanism cleaning liquid.

In the second and third modifications, the cleaning processing of, for example the first peripheral wall portion54ais performed in the processing unit16configured as described above. Specifically, in the second modification, the controller18opens the valve82bto supply the holding mechanism cleaning liquid (DIW) from the nozzle84to, for example, the support unit32.

Therefore, as indicated by the arrow of the alternate long and two short dashes line inFIG. 7, the holding mechanism cleaning liquid supplied to, for example, the support unit32is dropped into the central drain groove501dand flows out from the drain port51dto the drain pipe91d. Further, in the cleaning processing of, for example, the first peripheral wall portion Ma, the valve62ais closed as described above. Thus, the holding mechanism cleaning liquid flowing out from the central drain groove501dto the drain pipe91dflows from the drain port54ainto the first drain groove501athrough the drain pipe91a, and the inflowing holding mechanism cleaning liquid is used as the cleaning liquid L for cleaning the first peripheral wall portion54a.

In the second modification, the nozzle84for cleaning, for example, the support unit32supplies the holding mechanism cleaning liquid as the cleaning liquid L for cleaning the first peripheral wall portion54ato the first drain groove501aof the first cup50a. Therefore, since the configuration of cleaning the support unit32and the configuration of cleaning, for example, the first peripheral wall portion54aare used in common, the processing unit16may be reduced in size and cost.

Next, descriptions will be made on operations of the processing unit in the third modification. In the third modification, the controller18moves up the first and second cups50a,50bsuch that the first liquid receiving portion55ais positioned at the processing position. Thus, a flow path is formed to lead from an opening inside the upper end of the first liquid receiving portion55ato the first drain groove501a.

In addition, the controller18opens the valve82cto supply the holding mechanism cleaning liquid (DIW), which is supplied from the cleaning liquid source83, from the nozzle85to the rear surface of the holding unit31. At this time, the controller18rotates the holding unit31by the driving unit33.

Therefore, as indicated by the arrow of the alternate long and short dash line inFIG. 7, the holding mechanism cleaning liquid supplied to the rear surface of the holding unit31is dropped into the central drain groove501dand flows out from the drain port51dto the drain pipe91d. Further, the holding mechanism cleaning liquid supplied to the rear surface of the holding unit31is also dropped into the extension54d1, and flows out from the extension54d1to the drain pipe91ethrough the drain port51e. Then, since the valve62ais closed, the holding mechanism cleaning liquid, which has flowed out to the drain pipes91d,91e, flows from the drain port54ainto the first drain groove501athrough the drain pipe91a.

Further, the holding mechanism cleaning liquid supplied to the rear surface of the holding unit31is shaken off toward the outer peripheral outside of the holding unit31by a centrifugal force accompanying the rotation of the holding unit31, and the first liquid receiving portion55areceives the holding mechanism cleaning liquid scattered from the rear surface of the holding unit31. The holding mechanism cleaning liquid received in the first liquid receiving portion55aflows downwardly into the first drain groove501a. The holding mechanism cleaning liquid, which has flowed into the first drain groove501aas described above, is used as the cleaning liquid L for cleaning the first peripheral wall portion54a.

In the third modification, the nozzle85for cleaning the rear surface of the holding unit31supplies the holding mechanism cleaning liquid as the cleaning liquid L for cleaning the first peripheral wall portion54ato the first drain groove501aof the first cup50a. Therefore, since the configuration of cleaning the rear surface of the holding unit31and the configuration of cleaning, for example, the first peripheral wall portion54aare used in common, the processing unit16may be reduced in size and cost.

The supply paths of the processing liquid L to the first drain groove501aof the first exemplary embodiment and the first and third modifications may be appropriately combined. That is, for example, the first exemplary embodiment and the first modification may be combined such that the cleaning liquid L is supplied from both the cleaning liquid supply pipe81aand the nozzle41to the first drainage groove501a.

Further, in the exemplary embodiment and the respective modifications, the drain pipes92a,92bare provided to discharge the cleaning liquid L infiltrated into the insertion holes59a,59bof the first peripheral wall portion54aand the second peripheral wall portion54b, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

For example, the cleaning liquid L infiltrated into the insertion holes59a,59bof the first peripheral wall portion54aand the second peripheral wall portion54bmay be leaked from the lower portion of the bottom portion53and received in the bottom portion of the chamber20, without providing the drain pipes92a,92b. In this case, as indicated by the imaginary line inFIG. 7, a common drain pipe201is provided in the bottom portion of the chamber20to collectively discharge the cleaning liquid L received from the insertion holes59a,59bof the first peripheral wall portion54aand the second peripheral wall portion54b. With this configuration, the structure of the apparatus may be simplified and the cost may be reduced as compared with the case where the drain pipes92a,92are provided.

Subsequently, a substrate processing system1according to a second exemplary embodiment will be described. In the following descriptions, like parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions thereof will be omitted.

In the second exemplary embodiment, foreign matters attached to, for example, the first peripheral wall portion54amay be further reduced by heating the cleaning liquid L to a high temperature.FIG. 8is a schematic view illustrating an outline of the cleaning liquid supply unit80according to the second exemplary embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG. 8, SPM is stored in the tank110. The SPM becomes a relatively high-temperature mixed solution due to the reaction heat generated by the chemical reaction when sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide are mixed.

In the second exemplary embodiment, the tank110includes a heat exchange unit200to perform a heat exchange between the SPM (mixed solution) and the cleaning liquid L. The heat exchange unit200is provided in the tank110, and is configured such that the cleaning liquid supply pipe81apasses through the inside thereof.

Therefore, in the heat exchange unit200, the cleaning liquid L of the cleaning liquid supply pipe81ais heated to a high temperature by the relatively high-temperature SPM. Since the heated cleaning liquid L is likely to dissolve the crystals of ammonium sulfate as compared with the case before the heating, foreign matters such as the crystals attached to the first peripheral wall portion54amay be further removed by using the hated cleaning liquid L in the cleaning processing.

In addition, in the above descriptions, the heat exchange unit200is provided in the tank110, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, although not illustrated, for example, a coolant pipe through which a cooling medium (e.g., water) flows may be arranged in the tank110, and the coolant pipe and the cleaning liquid supply pipe81amay be connected to a heat exchange unit provided outside the tank110. Even with the configuration, a heat exchange may be performed between the SPM and the cleaning liquid L so that the cleaning liquid L is heated to a high temperature.

Further, in the second exemplary embodiment, the cleaning liquid L flowing through the cleaning liquid supply pipe81ais heated, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in the first to third modifications, the substrate cleaning liquid or the holding mechanism cleaning liquid, which is used as the cleaning liquid L, may be heated.

Further, in the above exemplary embodiments, the cleaning liquid L overflows from the first drain groove501aof the first cup50ato the second cup50band the third cup50c, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

That is, the cleaning liquid L may overflow from the second drain groove501bof the second cup50bto the first cup50aor the third cup50c. Alternatively, the cleaning liquid L may overflow from the third drain groove501cof the third cup50cto the second cup50band the first cup50a. Further, the cleaning liquid L may overflow from the first drain groove501aof the first cup50ato the second cup50b, but not to the third cup50cby opening the valve62b.

Further, in the processing unit16described above, the acidic processing liquid is recovered through the first drain pipe91a1and is reused, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The acidic processing liquid may not be reused. Further, in the above descriptions, the first lift driving unit56band the second lift driving unit57bare separate members, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the first and second lift driving units56b,57bmay be a common member.