Treatment device and exhaust switching device therefor, and exhaust switching unit and switching valve box

A treatment device treats a treatment subject inside a treatment chamber with treatment fluids of a plurality of types. An exhaust switching unit is provided to an exhaust pipe connected to the inside of the treatment chamber, and the exhaust switching unit is formed of a distribution box, switching valve boxes, and an exhaust tube. Additionally, the switching valve boxes, which correspond in number to the treatment fluids, are connected to the distribution box in a parallel state.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a treatment device and exhaust switching device therefor, and exhaust switching unit and switching valve box and, in particular, to a treatment device in which treatment subjects as treatment targets include those such as a semiconductor wafer, a liquid-crystal display device substrate, a plasma-display glass substrate, a FED (Field Emission Display) substrate, an optical disk substrate, a magnetic disk substrate, a magneto-optical disk substrate, a photomask substrate, and a solar cell substrate.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

To manufacture a semiconductor device, a treatment subject such as a semiconductor wafer or a liquid-crystal display panel glass substrate is desired to have a highly-cleaned surface, and therefore a wet treatment is performed on the surface of the treatment subject by using various methods. The wet treatment methods can be broadly classified into a batch type or one-bath type in which a plurality of treatment subjects are simultaneously treated and a single-wafer type in which treatment subjects are treated one by one. In the batch-type treatment, one treatment bath is provided for one treatment chemical solution, and a batch formed of a plurality of treatment subjects are sequentially immersed into each treatment bath for continuous treatment. In the one-bath treatment method, a batch is put into a treatment bath, and injection and discharge of treatment chemical solutions to and from the same treatment bath is repeated to perform treatment. By contrast, in the single-wafer treatment, a treatment chemical solution is supplied for each treatment subject for treatment, and a treatment effect higher than that of the batch-type and one-bath type cleaning can be obtained.

Conventionally, a treatment subject is treated by a batch-type or one-bath-type treatment device excellent in mass production to reduce particles and metal impurities. However, in recent years, with an increase in diameter of the treatment subject and increasing desires for a high degree of cleaning of the surface of the treatment subject after treatment, the single-wafer treatment device, which can obtain a higher treatment effect, has become often used.

As a single-wafer treatment device, there is a rotary treatment device which treats the surface of a treatment subject by supplying a treatment chemical solution while rotating the treatment subject. The treatment device as described above includes a holding member which rotates while holding the treatment subject inside a treatment chamber, and supplies a treatment fluid from a nozzle provided to an upper portion of the treatment chamber to the rotating treatment subject to treat the surface of the treatment subject. The treatment fluid supplied to the surface of the treatment subject goes over the entire surface of the treatment subject by a centrifugal force associated with the rotation of the treatment subject, and is shaken off to the outside and scattered after the surface is treated. Thus, a cup for collecting the scattered treatment fluid is provided on the periphery of the holding member which rotates while holding the treatment subject, and a discharge pipe for discharging the collected treatment fluid to the outside of the treatment chamber is connected to a bottom portion of the cup. Also, during the treatment, clean air is supplied from outside to the inside of the treatment chamber, and the air is discharged to the outside of the treatment chamber from the exhaust pipe provided on a bottom wall of the cup via a gap between the holding member and the cup to discharge vaporized gas or mist of the treatment fluid present inside the cup, thereby preventing particles from being attached to the surface of the treatment subject.

As a treatment fluid in the treatment as described above, an acidic chemical solution, an alkaline chemical solution, an organic solvent, and the like are used, and a treatment chemical solution according to the treatment is selectively supplied to the treatment subject. In this case, the treatment fluids of different types are sequentially supplied to the treatment subject held by the holding member. For example, when an acidic chemical solution is supplied first, an alkaline chemical solution is supplied second, and then an organic solvent is supplied third, exhaust of each treatment fluid is required to be treated in each different exhaust treatment facility. Thus, in the treatment device as described above, exhaust is performed from the treatment chamber via a common exhaust pipe, and then the common exhaust pipe is branched into individual exhaust pipes for the respective treatment fluids discharged from the treatment chamber, thereby allowing the vaporized gas and mist of the treatment fluids discharged from the treatment chamber to be guided to an exhaust treatment facility corresponding to each treatment fluid.

Since the single-wafer treatment device can treat only one treatment subject at one time, the treatment capability per unit time for each treatment device is lower than that of the batch-type treatment device or the like. Thus, a plurality of treatment devices are collectively installed, and a treatment subject is delivered to the treatment chamber of each treatment device by using a common delivery mechanism to perform a concurrent treatment on a plurality of treatment subjects, thereby improving the treatment capability per unit time.

In the treatment device as described above, each individual exhaust pipe branched from the common exhaust pipe of the treatment chamber is connected to a collective exhaust pipe for each same treatment fluid on a downstream side, and a downstream end of this collective exhaust pipe is guided to an exhaust treatment facility applicable for each treatment fluid. Also, each individual exhaust pipe branched from the common exhaust pipe of the treatment chamber is provided with valves, which are opened and closed so as to correspond to the types of treatment fluid supplied to the treatment chamber. For example, when a treatment is performed with an acidic chemical solution, only a valve of the individual exhaust pipe for discharging vaporized gas or mist of the acidic chemical solution is opened, and a valve of the individual exhaust pipe for discharging vaporized gas or mist of other treatment fluids is closed.

Also, in the treatment device as described above, treatments with the same treatment fluid are not necessarily performed in all treatment chambers in synchronization with each other, and it is often the case that different treatments are performed in different treatment chambers. For example, a treatment with an acidic chemical solution is performed in one treatment chamber, a treatment with an alkaline chemical solution is performed in another treatment chamber, and a treatment with an organic solvent is performed in still another treatment chamber. By contrast, since the exhaust amount of the collective exhaust pipe connected to the individual exhaust pipe from each treatment chamber is constant, if the number of treatment chambers communicating with the collective exhaust pipe is changed by opening and closing the valve of the individual exhaust pipe connected to each treatment chamber according to the treatment, the exhaust pressure inside the treatment chamber communicating with the collective exhaust pipe fluctuates.

That is, if the number of treatment chambers communicating with the collective exhaust pipe is decreased, the exhaust pressure inside the treatment chamber communicating with the collective exhaust pipe is increased. If the number of treatment chambers communicating with the collective exhaust pipe is increased, the exhaust pressure inside the treatment chamber communicating with the collective exhaust pipe is decreased. In a conventional treatment device, with these fluctuations in exhaust pressure inside the treatment chamber, there is a problem in which discharge of vaporized gas or mist inside the treatment chamber is insufficient to cause particles to be attached to the surface of the treatment subject. To address this problem, a substrate treatment device of Patent Literature 1 has been suggested.

The above-mentioned literature describes the substrate treatment device in which great fluctuations in exhaust pressure due to the treatment situation in one treatment chamber can be prevented in other treatment chambers and attachment of particles to a wafer associated with fluctuations in exhaust pressure can be inhibited.

In this substrate treatment device, exhaust from a treatment chamber is guided by a common exhaust pipe to an exhaust induction chamber, and is branched via the exhaust induction chamber to each individual exhaust pipe. The exhaust induction chamber is connected via a continuous hole to each individual exhaust pipe. With rotation of a rotating member having an continuous hole provided inside the exhaust induction chamber, a continuous hole communicating with one of the individual exhaust pipes is opened to cause an exhaust communication chamber and the individual exhaust pipe to communicate with each other. Also, each individual exhaust pipe has an open port separately from a communication port with the exhaust communication chamber. By an interrupting member rotating together with the rotating member, the open port of an individual exhaust pipe communicating with the exhaust communication chamber is closed and the open port of an individual exhaust pipe not communicating with the exhaust communication chamber is opened. By introducing air from the opened open port and supplying outside air to the collective exhaust pipe, large fluctuations in exhaust pressure inside another treatment chamber are prevented.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENT

Patent Literature

Patent Literature 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2011-204933

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

In the substrate treatment device of the above-mentioned literature, the opening area of the switching valve and changes in the exhaust flow amount are large when the exhaust duct is switched. For this reason, the exhaust pressure fluctuates to cause particles, which still poses a problem of contamination of the treatment subject. Moreover, since the structure of the switching valve is a dedicated structure for two-way or three-way switching, standardization cannot be made. Still further, it is required to configure an exhaust switcher by connecting a plurality of individual pipes to communication holes of the exhaust induction chamber. Since this operation is complex, assembling the substrate treatment device is disadvantageously burdensome.

The present invention has been developed to solve the above problems, and has an object of providing a treatment device and exhaust switching device therefor, and exhaust switching unit and switching valve box as described below. That is, an exhaust line is opened and closed with one switching valve, the exhaust amount and the induction amount of an air-side relief valve are balanced, and fluctuations in pressure when the switching valve is activated can be reduced. For two-way, three-way, or other number-way switching using an acidic chemical solution, an alkaline chemical solution, and an organic solvent as treatment fluids, a plurality of individual exhaust pipes are arranged in parallel and, with an operation of opening only one system for exhaust of vaporized gas or mist of the treatment fluid in use for a cleaning treatment and closing the others, fluctuations in pressure inside the treatment chamber can be reduced. Furthermore, components can be standardized.

Means to Solve the Problems

To achieve the object above, an embodiment of the invention provides a treatment device which treats a treatment subject inside a treatment chamber with treatment fluids of a plurality of types, wherein an exhaust switching unit is provided to an exhaust pipe connected to the inside of the treatment chamber, the exhaust switching unit is formed of a distribution box, switching valve boxes, and an exhaust tube, and the switching valve boxes corresponding in number to the treatment fluids are connected to the distribution box in a parallel state.

An embodiment of the invention provides the treatment device, wherein the exhaust switching units connected to a plurality of treatment chambers in a multilayered state individually via a connecting tube are incorporated in a multistage state to configure an exhaust switching device, and the exhaust tube for exhaust of a treatment fluid of a corresponding type is connected to one of the switching valve boxes that is on a same row in the switching valve boxes being in multistage of the exhaust switching device.

An embodiment of the invention provides an exhaust switching device, wherein a distribution box has a connecting part on one side and has a plurality of switching valve boxes connected in a parallel state to another side, the switching valve boxes are each provided with a switching valve which swings in an exhaust direction and a relief valve for introducing air in a direction crossing the exhaust direction, an exhaust tube is provided at an end of the switching valve box in the exhaust direction to configure an exhaust switching unit, and the exhaust switching units are configured in a multilayered state and in multistage with an appropriate holding body.

An embodiment of the invention provides an exhaust switching unit including: a distribution box provided with a connecting tube having a flange for connection of an exhaust pipe on one side and a flange for connection of a switching valve box on another side and having a laterally-elongated rectangular cross section; a switching valve box having a flange to be connected to the distribution box on one side and a flange to be connected to an exhaust tube on another side; and the exhaust tube to be connected to the switching valve box, wherein the switching valve box is provided with a switching valve and a relief valve for air induction.

An embodiment of the invention provides a switching valve box, wherein an air induction duct for air induction is provided in a direction crossing an exhaust direction of a box main body provided with an exhaust duct on a primary side, a swing-type switching valve is provided on an inflow side of the box main body, the exhaust duct and the air induction duct are provided so as to be able to be alternately opened and closed with the switching valve, the induction duct is provided with a shutter which opens and closes a duct opening area, and a swing-type relief valve is provided on an upstream side of the shutter.

An embodiment of the invention provides the switching valve box, wherein the shutter opens and closes, from full-open to full-close, with a two-split plate-shape member being made as being double-doored, to adjust an opening area.

An embodiment of the invention provides the switching valve box, wherein a mist trap is removably disposed on an outflow side of the box main body.

An embodiment of the invention provides the switching valve box, wherein the switching valve is provided rotatably in a range of substantially 90 degrees by a rotary actuator to open and close the switching valve in a swing manner.

Effect of the Invention

According to an embodiment of the invention, the exhaust switching unit configured by connecting the plurality of switching valve boxes corresponding to the types of treatment fluids in a parallel state to the distribution box and connecting the exhaust tube to the plurality of switching valve boxes is connected to the common exhaust pipe connected to the inside of the treatment chamber to configure the treatment device. Therefore, only one system for discharging vaporized gas or mist of the treatment fluid from the treatment chamber performing a cleaning treatment is opened, and the other systems can be closed. Thus, it is possible to achieve a treatment device capable of reducing fluctuations in exhaust pressure inside the treatment chamber when the switching valve is activated and preventing attachment of particles onto the surface of the treatment subject. Also, the switching valve boxes are standardized with the same structure, and the plurality of switching valve boxes corresponding to the types of treatment fluids are connected in a parallel state to configure an exhaust switching unit. Therefore, cost of manufacturing the treatment device can be reduced, and easy assembling and excellent workability can be provided.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the exhaust switching device in which the exhaust switching units are incorporated in multistage in the plurality of treatment chambers in a multilayered state and the exhaust tube for exhaust of a treatment fluid of a corresponding type is connected to a switching valve box that is on a same row is connected via an individual common exhaust pipe to configure the treatment device. Therefore, the treatment device with large treatment capability can be easily configured in an effectively-utilized small space.

According to an embodiment of the invention, a distribution box has a connecting part to the common exhaust pipe on one side and has a plurality of switching valve boxes connected to the other side of the distribution box in a parallel state, the switching valve boxes each including a switching valve for opening and closing the exhaust duct, and the switching valve and a relief valve for air induction and the exhaust tube is connected to the end of the switching valve box in the exhaust direction, thereby configuring an exhaust switching unit capable of preventing fluctuations in exhaust pressure when switching to a valve corresponding to one treatment chamber is made. By holding this exhaust switching units are held with an appropriate holding body in a multilayered state and in multistage, the exhaust switching device for supporting the plurality of treatment chambers arranged in a multilayered state and in multistage can be easily configured. Also, the exhaust switching device having the exhaust switching units held by the appropriate holding body in a multilayered state and in multistage is prepared in advance, brought to a treatment device assembly site, and connected to the plurality of treatment chambers arranged in a multilayered state and in multistage, thereby greatly facilitating assembling of the treatment device. Furthermore, by increasing the number of multilayered stages for the holding body to increase the number of treatment chambers and exhaust switching devices, treatment capability of the treatment device can be further improved with ease.

According to an embodiment of the invention, to configure an exhaust system for discharging exhaust to the outside of the treatment device for each type of treatment fluids for use in the treatment chamber, only by connecting the distribution box, the plurality of switching valve boxes according to the types of treatment fluids, and exhaust tubes corresponding to the respective switching valve boxes together with flanges provided to the respective components, an exhaust switching unit which discharges exhaust from the treatment chamber for each type of treatment fluid can be easily configured without performing a complex piping operation. Also, since the distribution box has a rectangular cross section, a large channel cross-sectional area can be ensured even with a small size. Also, easy handling and configuration of the exhaust switching device are achieved. The switching valve box includes the switching valve which alternately opens and closes the exhaust duct and the air induction duct and the relief valve for air induction. Therefore, the relief valve for air induction opens and closes according to the opening and closing of the switching valve to introduce air. Thus, it is possible to prevent fluctuations in exhaust pressure inside the other treatment chambers connected to the exhaust tube to which the switching valve box is connected.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the swing-type switching valve which opens and closes the exhaust duct is provided on an inflow side of the switching valve box, and the duct for air induction is provided in a direction crossing the exhaust direction of the box main body. Also, a relief valve for air induction is provided at a position outside the duct. Thus, the exhaust duct can be opened and closed with the switching valve according to the treatment situation inside the treatment chamber. In addition, when the switching valve is positioned to close the exhaust channel, the inside of the switching valve box becomes under negative pressure due to suction by the exhaust tube to cause the relief valve to automatically open inwardly to introduce air inside. Thus, by appropriately adjusting the opening area of the shutter provided to the air induction duct, the amount of air equal to that when the switching valve opens the exhaust channel can be taken from the air induction duct for supply to the exhaust tube, and it is possible to prevent fluctuations in exhaust pressure inside the other treatment chambers connected to the exhaust tube to which the switching valve box is connected. Furthermore, when the switching valve is positioned to open the exhaust duct according to the treatment situation inside the treatment chamber, the air induction duct is closed with the switching valve, and therefore the relief valve becomes uninfluenced by negative pressure due to suction by the exhaust tube and automatically stops air intake. Therefore, only the exhaust from the treatment chamber is supplied to the exhaust tube, and it is possible to prevent fluctuations in exhaust pressure inside the other treatment chambers connected to the exhaust tube to which the switching valve box is connected.

According to an embodiment of the invention, by changing the degree of opening of the two-split plate-shaped member of the shutter to adjust the opening area of the air induction duct, when the switching valve is positioned to close the exhaust channel, the air induction amount to be taken from the relief valve for air induction into the inside of the switching valve box is adjusted so as to be equal to the exhaust amount when the switching valve is positioned to open the exhaust channel according to the exhaust amount or according to an entire exhaust balance. Thus, it is possible to prevent fluctuations in exhaust pressure inside the other treatment chambers connected to the exhaust tube to which the switching valve box is connected.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the mist of the treatment fluid discharged together with the exhaust of the treatment fluid from the inside of the treatment chamber can be separated from the exhaust of the treatment fluid and scavenged to the inside of the switching valve box. Therefore, the mist of the treatment fluid does not reach downstream of the switching valve box, and a maintenance operation of the treatment device is facilitated. Also, when the switching valve swings, an intermediate channel larger than the channel area of each of the exhaust duct and the air induction duct is formed of the switching valve and the mist trap. With this, changes in the amount of flow inside the switching valve box are reduced, and it is possible to prevent fluctuations in exhaust pressure inside the treatment chamber to which the switching valve box is connected.

According to an embodiment of the invention of, the switching valve is rotated at substantially 90 degrees by the rotary actuator to alternately open and close the exhaust duct and the air induction duct. When the exhaust duct is opened to let exhaust flow, the air induction duct is closed and air is not introduced. When the exhaust duct is closed to prevent flowing of exhaust, the air induction duct is opened to introduce air. With this, the exhaust amount flowing through the switching valve box and the air induction amount are balanced, and it is possible to prevent fluctuations in exhaust pressure inside the other treatment chambers connected to the exhaust tube to which the switching valve box is connected.

DESCRIPTIONS OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following, an embodiment of the present invention when, for example, a semiconductor wafer is cleaned is described in detail based on the drawings.FIG. 1conceptually depicts the structure of a treatment device1in the present invention. The treatment device1is a device for cleaning surfaces of semiconductor wafers, one by one, by using an acidic chemical solution, an alkaline chemical solution, and an organic solvent as treatment fluids to remove impurities.

The treatment device1is configured to have a treatment chamber (chamber)2for cleaning a semiconductor wafer and an exhaust switching unit3for switching a discharge destination of exhaust from the treatment chamber2according to a treatment fluid for use in the treatment chamber2connected to each other via a common exhaust pipe4. Also, a gas-liquid separator5is provided in the middle of the exhaust pipe4to separate a treatment fluid contained in the exhaust from the treatment chamber2. The exhaust passing via the exhaust switching unit3is sent to an exhaust treatment facility6for treatment.

FIG. 2schematically depicts the configuration of the exhaust switching unit3viewed from its upper surface, andFIG. 3schematically depicts a side cross-sectional view of an exhaust switching device7having the exhaust switching units3incorporated in a multistage state. The exhaust switching unit3in the present embodiment is formed of a resin material and manufactured as being transparent or translucent so as to allow the inside of the unit3to be checked.

As depicted inFIG. 2, the exhaust switching unit3has a plurality of switching valve boxes9corresponding to the types of treatment fluids connected in a parallel state to a distribution box8, and is configured with an exhaust tube12connected to an end11of each switching valve box9opposite to an end10on a side connected to the distribution box8.

The distribution box8is configured to have a laterally-elongated rectangular cross section, has a connecting part13on one side connected to the exhaust pipe4and a connecting part14on the other side having the plurality of switching valve boxes9corresponding to the types of treatment fluids for use connected in a parallel state. Since the distribution box8is configured to have a rectangular cross section, compared with the case in which the distribution box8is configured to have a circular cross section, a larger channel cross section can be ensured when the outer dimensions are the same, and also easy handling and simple configuration of the exhaust switching unit3are achieved. Furthermore, the distribution box8has a channel communicating the connecting part13and the plurality of connecting parts14, allowing exhaust15introduced from the treatment chamber2via the exhaust pipe4to be guided to each switching valve box9.

The switching valve box9is provided inside with, as depicted inFIG. 3, a switching valve16which swings in an exhaust direction and relief valves18which introduce air17in a direction crossing the exhaust direction, with one end10on one side connected to the connecting part14of the distribution box8and the end11in the exhaust direction connected to the exhaust tube12.

The exhaust tube12guides the exhaust15supplied from the connected switching valve box9to the exhaust treatment facility6not depicted.

In the above-structured exhaust switching unit3, the exhaust15from the treatment chamber2reaches the plurality of switching valve boxes9connected in a parallel state to the distribution box8. However, since the switching valve16of the switching valve box9corresponding to a treatment fluid not used inside the treatment chamber2is positioned to close the flow of exhaust, the exhaust15cannot flow into that switching valve box9. On the other hand, since the switching valve16of the switching valve box9corresponding to a treatment fluid being used inside the treatment chamber2is positioned to open the flow of exhaust, the exhaust15flows into that switching valve box9to be guided via the exhaust tube12connected to that switching valve box9to the exhaust treatment facility6for that treatment fluid.

Also, in the switching valve box9where the switching valve16is positioned to close the exhaust channel, the exhaust15from the treatment chamber2is interrupted, and the air inside the switching valve box9is suctioned by the exhaust tube12, thereby putting the inside of the switching valve box9under negative pressure. Therefore, the relief valves18are automatically opened by atmospheric pressure, and the air17is introduced into the inside of the switching valve box9for supply to the exhaust tube12.

The exhaust switching unit3can be configured if the switching valve boxes9having the same configuration are connected in a parallel state to the distribution box8so as to correspond in number to the types of treatment fluids. Therefore, assembling workability is excellent, and standardization of components can reduce device-manufacturing cost.

Since the exhaust switching device7depicted inFIG. 3is configured with the exhaust switching units3incorporated in a multistage state, the exhaust tube12for exhaust of the treatment fluid of a corresponding type is connected to the switching valve box9on the same row, and the exhaust tube12is integrated for each treatment fluid of the corresponding type for configuration. With this configuration, the number of exhaust tubes for use in the exhaust switching device7can be reduced, and the exhaust switching device7can be configured to be made compact.

FIG. 4schematically depicts an exhaust system of the treatment device1configured by connecting the exhaust switching device7configured by incorporating the exhaust switching units3in a multistage state to the plurality of treatment chambers2in a multilayered state each individually via the exhaust pipe4. In this drawing, the exhaust switching units3for three-system exhaust where three types of treatment fluids are used, that is, an acidic chemical solution, an alkaline chemical solution, and an organic solvent, is depicted as an example. Exhaust from the treatment chamber2is supplied by each distribution box8to three switching valve boxes9connected in a parallel state to that distribution box8. Here, when it is assumed that a cleaning treatment using an acidic chemical solution is being performed inside the uppermost stage of the treatment chamber2, the switching valve16inside the switching valve box9connected to the exhaust tube12for treating acidic exhaust is positioned to open the flow of exhaust, and the switching valve16inside the switching valve box9connected to the exhaust tube12for treating alkaline exhaust is positioned to close the flow of exhaust and the switching valve16inside the switching valve box9connected to the exhaust tube12for treating organic exhaust is also positioned to close the flow of exhaust. When the cleaning treatment using the acidic chemical solution ends and proceeds to a cleaning treatment using the alkaline chemical solution, the switching valve16inside the switching valve box9connected to the exhaust tube12for treating acidic exhaust is positioned to close the exhaust, and the switching valve16inside the switching valve box9connected to the exhaust tube12for treating alkaline exhaust becomes positioned to open the flow of exhaust. As such, by the exhaust switching unit3switching the exhaust system, the exhaust from the treatment chamber2can be reliably guided to the exhaust treatment facility6suitable for a treatment of that treatment fluid and can be appropriately treated.

Also, as depicted in the drawing, the exhaust15from each treatment chamber2is branched via the exhaust switching unit3, with the exhaust of the acidic chemical solution to the exhaust tube12for the acidic chemical solution, the exhaust of the alkaline chemical solution to the exhaust tube12for the alkaline chemical solution, and the exhaust of the organic solvent to the exhaust tube12for the organic solvent. Therefore, it is not required to provide the exhaust tubes12so as to correspond in number to the types of the treatment fluids for use for each treatment chamber2, and installation of the exhaust tubes12so as to correspond in number to the types of the treatment fluids for use for each unit incorporated in the plurality of treatment chambers2in a multistage manner suffice. Therefore, manufacturing cost of the treatment device can be reduced, and the treatment device can be configured in an effectively-utilized small space.

Furthermore, as depicted inFIG. 3, the switching valve box9is provided with the relief valves18. When the switching valve16is positioned to close the flow of the exhaust, the relief valves18are opened by negative pressure due to suction by the exhaust tube12, and the air17is introduced to the inside of the switching valve box9to flow to the exhaust tube12. As described above, when cleaning procedures are performed with the acidic chemical solution in the treatment chamber2on the uppermost stage depicted in the drawing while treatments with other treatment fluids are performed in the treatment chambers2,2, on the intermediate and lower stages, the switching valves16,16of the switching valve boxes9,9not connected to the exhaust tube12for treating the acidic exhaust are positioned to close the flow of exhaust. Therefore, here, the treatment chamber2communicating with the exhaust tube12is only the treatment chamber2connected to the switching valve box9of the exhaust switching unit3on the uppermost stage. On the other hand, since the exhaust amount of the exhaust tube12is constant irrespective of the number of communicating treatment chambers, it can be thought that a larger negative pressure act on the treatment chamber2on the uppermost stage than that when the treatment chambers2,2on the intermediate and lower stages are also connected to the exhaust tube12for treating acidic exhaust. However, as described above, in the switching valve boxes9,9on the intermediate and lower stages, the relief valves18,18are opened to introduce the air, which is let flow to the exhaust tube12for treating acidic exhaust. Therefore, the amount of flow flowing through the exhaust tube12is always constant, a large negative pressure due to suction by the exhaust tube12does not act on the inside of the treatment chamber2on the uppermost stage.

FIG. 5is a side view of an exhaust switching device20in which the exhaust switching units3are configured in a multilayered state and in multistage with a holding body19, andFIG. 6is a plan view of the exhaust switching device20. As depicted inFIG. 5, the exhaust switching unit3on each stage in the exhaust switching device20is configured to have a distribution box8provided with a connecting tube22having a flange21for connection to the exhaust pipe4on one side and a flange23for connection to the switching valve box9on the other side, a switching valve box9provided with a flange24for connection to the distribution box8on one side and a flange25for connection to the exhaust tube12on the other side, and the exhaust tube12having a flange26for connection to the switching valve box9. Note that instead of providing exhaust tubes12for respective stages individually, an exhaust tube for exhaust of a corresponding type of a treatment fluid is connected to the switching valve box9on the same row in a longitudinal direction for integration, and an inner channel27communicates in a vertical direction. On an upper portion of the exhaust tube12, a flange28for connection to a pipe (not depicted in the drawing) for guiding exhaust to the exhaust treatment facility6is provided. Also, as depicted inFIG. 6, an inner channel29in the distribution box8communicates in a lateral direction, allowing the exhaust15to be guided to the plurality of switching valve boxes9connected in a parallel state.

Since having the exhaust switching units3multilayered in multistage with the holding body19, the exhaust switching device20is excellent in strength and stability. While the holding body19can have any material and shape, the holding body19can be manufactured by welding or bolting an equilateral-angle or inequilateral-angle steel with appropriate dimensions. By previously manufacturing and preparing the exhaust switching device20with the exhaust switching units3configured in a multilayered state and in multistage with the holding body19as described above, the treatment device can be assembled within a short period of time. Also, as depicted inFIG. 5, if casters30are mounted on a lower portion of the holding body19, the exhaust switching device20can be easily moved. Furthermore, if mount fittings31are mounted on a lower portion of the holding body19so that the device can be fixed with bolts32to the floor surface of an installation place, the exhaust switching device20can be reliably fixed onto the floor surface for stabilization when used in the semiconductor manufacturing scene.

FIG. 7is a longitudinal sectional view of the switching valve box in the present invention, andFIG. 8is a plan view thereof. The switching valve box9is provided with an exhaust duct34on a primary side of a box main body33in a rectangular cross section and an air induction duct35for air induction in a direction crossing an exhaust direction of the box main body33. On an inflow side of the box main body33, a swing-type switching valve16which can alternately open and close the exhaust duct34and the air induction duct35is provided. The air induction duct35is provided with shutters36which open and close a duct opening area with a two-split plate-shaped member. Also, a paired swing-type relief valves18,18are provided on an upstream side of the shutters36. Furthermore, the box main body33has a bottom surface37formed so as to be tilted, thereby collecting mist of the treatment fluid scavenged by mist traps, which will be described further below, to the end11of the switching valve box9on the side connected to the exhaust tube12for easy collection. Since the box main body33is formed in a rectangular cross section, it is possible to ensure an inner channel area larger than that when the box main body33is formed in a cylindrical shape, and manufacture and handling are easy.

At an end of the exhaust duct34on an upstream side, the flange24for connection to the flange23of the distribution box8is provided. At an end of the box main body33on a downstream side, the flange25for connection to the flange26of the exhaust tube12is provided. With these flanges24and25, the switching valve box9can be mounted on the distribution box8and the exhaust tube12to configure the exhaust switching unit3.

Also, inside the box main body33, mist traps38and39which separate mist and exhaust contained in the exhaust15flowing into the switching valve box9are removably provided. The mist trap38is provided so as to not simply separate mist contained in the exhaust but also form an intermediate channel41between the mist trap38and a tip end40of the swinging switching valve16, the intermediate channel41continuous from the exhaust duct34and larger than the channel area of the exhaust duct34, but also form an intermediate channel43having a larger channel area than that of the exhaust duct34or the intermediate channel41when the switching valve16is activated to go over an upper end42of the mist trap38. Thus, when the switching valve16swings to open and close the exhaust duct34or the air induction duct35, changes in channel areas on an open side and a closed side are reduced, thereby decreasing changes in the amount of flow of the exhaust or induction air inside the switching valve box9due to an opening/closing operation of the switching valve16and inhibiting fluctuations in exhaust pressure inside the treatment chamber2.

The switching valve16freely swings at substantially 90 degrees for approximately one second by a rotary actuator44provided to an external side surface of the box main body33to open and close an exit45of the exhaust duct34and an exit46of the air induction duct35. Thus, when the exit45of the exhaust duct34is open, the switching valve16is positioned to close the exit46of the air induction duct35, and the exhaust15from the treatment chamber2flows into the inside of the box main body33to be discharged to the exhaust tube12. When the switching valve16swings at approximately 90 degrees by the rotary actuator44to close the exit45of the exhaust duct34, the exit46of the air induction duct35is open, and the relief valves18swing inwardly by a negative pressure due to suction by the exhaust tube12, and the air flows into the inside of the box main body33and is discharged to the exhaust tube12. Note that even when the switching valve16is positioned to close the exit45of the exhaust duct34or the exit46of the air induction duct35, the exit45or the exit46is not completely closed by the switching valve16. In this example, a gap on the order of 4 mm is provided between the switching valve16and the exit45or the exit46. Also, since no sealing material is provided to the exit45and the exit46, exhaust is always made to some amount.

The rotary actuator44depicted inFIG. 8performs operation of rotating the switching valve16under the control of a sequencer not depicted in the drawing or the like to alternately open and close the exit45of the exhaust duct34and the exit46of the air induction duct35in the switching valve box9in consideration of timing of treatment of the treatment subject in the treatment chamber2.

To allow the same amount of air as the amount of exhaust from the exhaust duct34to be introduced to the inside of the switching valve box9with the switching valve16closing the exit45of the exhaust duct34, the air induction duct35has a channel area equivalent to that of the exhaust duct34. Also, the shutters36provided to adjust the area of a duct opening41of the air induction duct35are double-doored with a two-split plate-shaped member, thereby adjusting the channel area of the air induction duct35in a range of 0 to 100% and allowing adjustment of the amount of air induction. After the channel area is adjusted, the shutters36can be pressed and fixed with fastening bolts48onto an upper outer surface of the box main body33.

The relief valves18each have an upper portion mounted as being axially and rotatably attached with a mount shaft50to the inside of an air induction box49provided on an upper portion of the box main body33so as to cover the air induction duct35, and therefore easily swing by wind pressure received from introduced air. The air induction box49has a cross sectional shape of an inverted trapezoidal shape so that the swing-type relief valves18without an actuator can automatically close the air intake ports51. With the air induction box49formed in an inverted trapezoidal cross sectional shape and the relief valves18rotatably and axially attached inside, when air is not introduced from the air intake ports51, the relief valves18are about to each rotate to a position straight below the mount shaft50by the action of gravity. Therefore, the air intake ports51are automatically closed.

As such, since each relief valves18are positioned to close air intake ports51as being in a tilted state, gravity always acts on the relief valves18so that the relief valves18are rotated in a valve closing direction. Therefore, when air is introduced, valve-open resistance occurs. Thus, to allow induction of a large flow amount when air is introduced, the air induction box49is provided with two sets of the relief valve18and the air intake port51so that a total of two opening areas formed of the relief valves18,18and the air intake ports51,51is equal to the channel area of the air induction duct35, thereby reducing a pressure drop. In the present embodiment, when the relief valves18are opened at approximately 30 degrees of valve opening, the total of two opening areas formed of the relief valves18and the air intake ports51is approximately equal to the channel area of the air induction duct35.

Note that when only one air intake port is provided and its area is set so as to be equivalent to the channel area of the air induction duct, the relief valve is required to be opened at 90 degrees of valve opening. With wind pressure at the time of air induction, the relief valve cannot be opened to that angle. Moreover, when one set of a relief valve and an air intake port is provided, the area of the air intake port is required to be doubled, inviting an increase in size of the device.

FIG. 8is a plan view of the switching valve box9with the air induction box49removed therefrom. On the upper portion of the air induction duct35, the shutters36,36formed of a two-split plate-shaped member are provided to adjust the area of the opening47of the air induction duct35. To adjust the area of the opening47of the air induction duct35, finger hooks52each formed in a concave shape at an end of the upper surface of each of the shutters36are used, and the double-doored shutters36,36are moved in a range of 0 to 100% of the area of the opening47so that the air intake amount is substantially equal to the exhaust amount. Also, in the air induction duct35, an exhaust-duct-channel cross section is formed in a rectangular shape to ensure a channel cross-section larger than that when the exhaust-duct-channel cross section is formed in a circular shape with the same outer dimensions, thereby decreasing the size of the switching valve box9.

FIG. 9depicts the state of the inside of the switching valve box9when viewed from a flange25side, with the switching valve16, the air induction duct35, and the mist traps38,39removed therefrom. The exhaust duct34for introducing the exhaust15from the distribution box8to the inside of the box main body33of the switching valve box9is formed so as to have a channel cross section formed in a rectangular shape, thereby ensuring a larger channel cross section than a channel cross section formed in a circular shape with the same outer dimensions. Thus, compared with the case in which the channel cross section is formed in a circular shape, the exhaust switching device7with equivalent exhaust capability can be configured with more reduced size.

While the distribution box, the exhaust switching valve box, and the exhaust tube are formed of synthetic resin in the present embodiment, they can be formed by using a metal material such as a stainless steel, depending on the treatment fluids, use environment, etc.

Next, a configuring method and operation of the above-described treatment device are described.

To configure the treatment device, the exhaust switching device20is configured in advance by preparing a required number of exhaust switching units3and multilayering these units in a multistage state on the holding body19formed of an appropriate material.

One exhaust switching unit3is set by connecting the switching valve boxes9so as to correspond in number to treatment fluids in a parallel state in the distribution box8capable of connecting the switching valve boxes9so as to correspond in number to the types of treatment fluids for use in the treatment device and connecting the exhaust tube12to each of the switching valve boxes9. For example, when treatment fluids of three types are used, one distribution box8with three connecting parts14and three switching valve boxes9are prepared, and the switching valve boxes9are connected to the distribution box8. Next, after the switching units3are multilayered in a multistage state on the holding body19, the exhaust tube12is mounted on the switching valve box9on the same row for exhaust of the same treatment fluid. After the exhaust switching units3are multilayered in a multistage state in the holding body19, the exhaust tube12for exhaust of the same treatment fluid is connected to the end11of the switching valve box9on the same row to configure the exhaust switching device20. Connection between the distribution box8and the switching valve boxes9and connection between the switching valve boxes9and the exhaust tube12can be easily made only by bolting the flanges provided to the respective connecting parts together. Note that “correspond to the types of treatment fluids” means not only that segmentation is made for each type of treatment fluid, such as an acidic chemical solution, an alkaline chemical solution, and an organic solvent fluid, but also that segmentation is made for each type of treatment fluid treatable in the same exhaust treatment facility. For example, when treatment fluids cannot be treated in the same exhaust treatment facility, such as an acidic chemical solution containing hydrofluoric acid and an acidic chemical solution not containing hydrofluoric acid, these treatment fluids are handled as different types even they are both acidic chemical solutions. When treatment fluids can be treated in the same exhaust treatment facility, such as a general acidic chemical solution and a general alkaline chemical solution, these treatment fluids are handled as the same type.

Thus configured exhaust switching device20is transported to a place near the treatment chambers2multilayered in a multistage state with a holding body similarly appropriate, and the exhaust pipe4of each treatment chamber2and the connecting part13of the distribution box8of the corresponding exhaust switching unit3are connected together, thereby completing the treatment device1.

After the treatment device1is assembled, the degree of opening of the double-doored shutters36,36provided on the upper portion of the air induction duct35is adjusted for each individual switching valve box9to adjust the exhaust amount and the induction air amount. This adjustment is performed by actually activating the exhaust system and checking an entire exhaust balance while measuring the exhaust amount and the induction air amount.

Also, if pressure fluctuations occur in the plurality of switching valve boxes9even though the degree of opening of the shutters36,36of each switching valve box9is adjusted to make the exhaust amount and the induction air amount equal to each other, the rotary actuator44is adjusted for each individual switching valve box9, and the swing angle of the switching valve16is slightly changed from substantially 90 degrees, thereby adjusting a gap between the switching valve16and the exit45or the exit46to, for example, 10 mm, 8 mm or 5 mm. With this, adjustment can be made so that pressure fluctuations inside the treatment chamber2are minimized.

InFIG. 1andFIG. 2, when a treatment of cleaning a semiconductor wafer is performed inside the treatment chamber2, the exhaust15from the treatment chamber2flows into the distribution box8connected to the exhaust pipe4of the treatment chamber2. InFIG. 6, since the channel29communicating in a lateral direction is formed inside the distribution box8, the exhaust15is distributed to every switching valve box9connected in a parallel state to the distribution box8.

Here, for example, when it is assumed that a treatment of cleaning a semiconductor wafer with an acidic chemical solution is performed inside the treatment chamber2and, inFIG. 6, exhaust flows into the switching valve box9depicted in the uppermost stage, the switching valve16in each of the switching valve boxes9depicted in the intermediate and lower stages is positioned to close the exit46of the exhaust duct34, and therefore the exhaust15cannot flow into the inside of the switching valve boxes9depicted in the intermediate and lower stages. Therefore, the exhaust15distributed in the distribution box8flows only into the switching valve box9depicted in the uppermost stage.

As depicted inFIG. 7, in the switching valve box9into which the exhaust15from the treatment chamber2is flowing, the switching valve16swings to an upper side by the rotary actuator44, and is positioned to open the exit45of the exhaust duct34and close the exit46of the air induction duct35. Also, gravity acts on the relief valves18, which are positioned to close the air intake ports51. The flow of the exhaust15flowing from the exhaust duct34into the inside of the box main body33of the switching valve box9is changed upward by the mist trap38, thereby separating mist of the treatment fluid contained in the exhaust. The flow of the exhaust changed upward is discharged to the exhaust tube12connected to the end11of the switching valve box9on the downstream side while the flowing direction is changed by the switching valve16and the mist trap39. Here, the channel area inside the box main body33to which the exhaust15flows is substantially equal to the channel area of the exhaust duct34, and therefore no pressure drop occurs.

When the treatment of cleaning the semiconductor wafer with an acidic chemical solution inside the treatment chamber2ends and then a cleaning treatment with an alkaline chemical solution starts, the switching valve16of the switching valve box9of the exhaust system for the acidic chemical solution swings downward to a position to close the exit45of the exhaust duct34, thereby opening the exit46of the air induction duct35. On the other hand, since the exhaust tube12to which this exhaust switching valve box9is connected exhausts a constant exhaust amount, with the exit45of the exhaust duct34closed, the inside of the box main body33and the inside of the air induction box49in this switching valve box9become under negative pressure due to suction by the exhaust tube12, and the relief valves18,18open inwardly against the action of gravity by atmospheric pressure, thereby introducing the air17to the inside of the box main body33for discharge to the exhaust tube12. By adjusting the opening of the shutters36,36performed at the time of configuring the treatment device1, the air intake amount is adjusted so as to be equal to the exhaust amount. Therefore, the exhaust flowing out from this switching valve box9and the amount of flow of intake air are equal to each other, and the exhaust discharged from this switching valve box9and the amount of flow of air are equal to each other and unchanged. Therefore, fluctuations in exhaust pressure inside other treatment chambers2communicating with the exhaust tube12connected to this switching valve box9can be inhibited. Thus, attachment of particles onto a treatment subject being treated in another treatment chamber2can be significantly decreased.

Also, the channel area of each of the intermediate channels41and43formed when the switching valve16swings downward to open the air induction duct35is larger than the channel area of each of the exhaust duct34and the air induction duct35. Therefore, changes in the amount of flow inside the switching valve box9due to swing of the switching valve16are small, and fluctuations in exhaust pressure inside the treatment chamber2to which this switching valve box9is connected can be prevented.

When the treatment of cleaning the semiconductor wafer with the acidic chemical solution inside the treatment chamber2is performed again, the switching valve16of the switching valve box9which has been taking exhaust of the alkaline chemical solution so far swings upward by the rotary actuator44to close the exit46of the air induction duct35. As a result, the negative pressure inside the air induction box49is resolved to stop air introduction and cause the atmospheric pressure not to act on the relief valves18,18. Therefore, the relief valves18,18rotate to a position to close the air intake ports51,51by the action of gravity. Since air is not introduced from the air induction duct35, the negative pressure caused by the exhaust tube12is used to suction exhaust from the exhaust duct34, and the exhaust15from the treatment chamber2is discharged via the inside of the switching valve box9to the exhaust tube12.

Also, even if the switching valve16swings upward to open the exhaust induction duct34, for the reason described above, changes in the amount of flow inside the switching valve box9due to swing of the switching valve16are small, and therefore fluctuations in exhaust pressure inside the treatment chamber2to which this switching valve box9is connected can be prevented.

Switching among the switching valves of the plurality of switching valve boxes when the treatment device is activated is performed in consideration of, by a sequencer or the like, opening/closing timing of the switching valve box taking exhaust and the switching valve box not taking exhaust and an entire exhaust balance.

In the above description, the treatment device for three systems for cleaning a semiconductor wafer by using treatment fluids of three types is described as an example. The present invention can also be applied to a treatment device for a plurality of systems other than three systems and a treatment device for a single system.

As has been described above, in the treatment device and exhaust switching device therefor, and exhaust switching unit and switching valve box according to the present invention, the exhaust line for one system is opened and closed with one switching valve, the exhaust amount and the air induction amount of the air-side relief valve are balanced, and fluctuations in pressure when the switching valve is activated can be reduced. When the number of systems is increased so as to correspond to the number of treatment fluids for use, a treatment device capable of reducing fluctuations in pressure inside the treatment chamber when the switching valve is activated can be obtained merely by arranging a plurality of individual exhaust pipes configured of standardized components in parallel. Therefore, its utility value is extremely high. Also, other than the exhaust-system treatment device of a semiconductor wafer manufacturing device described in the embodiment, the treatment device and exhaust switching device therefor, and exhaust switching unit and switching valve box according to the present invention can also be applied to, for example, an exhaust-system treatment device of a manufacturing device such as a liquid-crystal display device substrate or a plasma-display glass substrate.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS