Liquid processing apparatus

A liquid processing apparatus includes a plurality of liquid processing units, a plurality of individual exhaust paths, a common exhaust path, a first outside air intake section, a first regulation valve, a second outside air intake section, and a second regulation valve. The liquid processing units perform a liquid processing on a processing target object. An exhaust gas from an inside of the liquid processing unit flows in the individual exhaust paths. The exhaust gas from the individual exhaust paths flows in the common exhaust path. The first outside air intake section is formed at the most upstream side to introduce outside air. The first regulation valve is provided in the first outside air intake section. The second outside air intake section is formed at a downstream side of the common exhaust path from the connection. The second regulation valve is provided in the second outside air intake section.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-149512 filed on Jul. 29, 2015 with the Japan Patent Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Disclosed exemplary embodiments relate to a liquid processing apparatus.

BACKGROUND

Conventionally, a liquid processing apparatus is known which performs various kinds of liquid processings on a processing target object such as, for example, a silicon wafer or a compound semiconductor wafer, using a processing liquid such as, for example, an alkali processing liquid or an acid processing liquid (see, e.g., Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication No. 2012-190823).

The liquid processing apparatus according to the related art includes a plurality of liquid processing units in which a liquid processing is performed, and is configured such that the exhaust gases from the plurality of liquid processing units are discharged all at once through a common exhaust path. Meanwhile, an exhaust mechanism such as, for example, a pump is connected to the common exhaust path, and an exhaust amount of the common exhaust path is maintained constant in order to suppress the pressure of each liquid processing unit from being fluctuated at a timing where a liquid processing is performed.

SUMMARY

A liquid processing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of liquid processing units, a plurality of individual exhaust paths, a common exhaust path, a first outside air intake section, a first regulation valve, a second outside air intake section, and a second regulation valve. Each of the plurality of liquid processing units performs a liquid processing on a processing target object by supplying a processing liquid to the processing target object. Each of the plurality of individual exhaust paths is connected to one of the liquid processing units at one end thereof so that an exhaust gas from an inside of the liquid processing unit flows in the individual exhaust paths. The other end of each of the individual exhaust paths is connected to the common exhaust path so that the exhaust gas from the individual exhaust paths flows in the common exhaust path. The first outside air intake section is formed at a most upstream side, in the common exhaust path in a flow direction of the exhaust gas, from a plurality of connection regions, to which the individual exhaust paths are connected, and introduces outside air into the common exhaust path. The first regulation valve is provided between the first outside air intake section and the connection region, which is located at a most upstream side among the connection regions, and regulates a flow rate of the outside air introduced from the first outside air intake section. The second outside air intake section is formed at a downstream side of the common exhaust path from the connection region, which is located at the most upstream side among the connection regions, and introduces outside air into the common exhaust path. The second regulation valve is provided in the second outside air intake section, and regulates a flow rate of the outside air introduced from the second outside air intake section.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

When the exhaust amount of the liquid processing units is increased, a further improvement is required in order to restrict variation in the pressure of each liquid processing unit.

An object of one aspect of the exemplary embodiments is to provide a liquid processing apparatus capable of restricting variation in the pressure of a plurality of liquid processing units.

A liquid processing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of liquid processing units, a plurality of individual exhaust paths, a common exhaust path, a first outside air intake section, a first regulation valve, a second outside air intake section, and a second regulation valve. Each of the plurality of liquid processing units perform a liquid processing on a processing target object by supplying a processing liquid to the processing target object. Each of the plurality of individual exhaust paths is connected to one of the liquid processing units at one end thereof so that an exhaust gas from an inside of the liquid processing unit flows in the individual exhaust paths. The other end of each of the individual exhaust paths is connected to the common exhaust path so that the exhaust gas from the individual exhaust paths is flows in the common exhaust path. The first outside air intake section is formed at the most upstream side, in the common exhaust path in a flow direction of the exhaust gas, from a plurality of connection regions, to which the individual exhaust paths are connected, and introduces outside air into the common exhaust path. The first regulation valve is provided between the first outside air intake section and the connection region, which is located at a most upstream side among the connection regions, and regulates a flow rate of the outside air introduced from the first outside air intake section. The second outside air intake section is formed at a downstream side of the common exhaust path from the connection region, which is located at the most upstream side among the connection regions, and introduces outside air into the common exhaust path. The second regulation valve is provided in the second outside air intake section, and regulates a flow rate of the outside air introduced from the second outside air intake section.

In the above-described liquid processing apparatus, the second outside air intake section is formed at a downstream side of the common exhaust path from the connection region, which is located at a most downstream side in the flow direction of the exhaust gas, among the connection regions.

The above-described liquid processing apparatus further includes: an exhaust amount detection unit configured to detect exhaust amounts of the individual exhaust paths; and a valve controller configured, when a sum of the exhaust amounts of the plurality of individual exhaust paths, which are integrated by the exhaust amount detection unit, is equal to or more than a preset exhaust amount, to open one of the first regulation valve and the second regulation valve in a state where a remaining one is closed, and, when the sum of the exhaust amounts of the individual exhaust paths is less than the preset exhaust amount, to open the first regulation valve and the second regulation valve.

In the above-described liquid processing apparatus, the valve controller is configured, when the sum of the exhaust amounts of the individual exhaust paths, which are detected by the exhaust amount detection unit, is equal to or above the preset exhaust amount, to change an opening degree of the first regulation valve based on the sum of the exhaust amounts of the individual flow paths, and, when the sum of the exhaust amounts of the individual exhaust paths is less than the preset exhaust amount, to change an opening degree of the second regulation valve based on the sum of the exhaust amounts of the individual exhaust paths in a state where the opening degree of the first regulation valve is maintained.

The above-described liquid processing apparatus further includes: an opening/closing mechanism provided in each individual exhaust path to open/close the individual exhaust path; a state detection unit configured to detect a state of the opening/closing mechanism; and a valve controller configured to control opening degrees of the first regulation valve and the second regulation valve based on the state of the opening/closing mechanism detected by the state detection unit.

The above-described liquid processing apparatus further includes: a storage unit configured to store in advance, as opening degree information, the state of the opening/closing mechanism and the opening degrees of the first regulation valve and the second regulation valve corresponding to the state of the opening/closing mechanism, by associating the state and the opening degrees with each other. The valve controller controls the opening degrees of the first regulation valve and the second regulation valve based on the state of the opening/closing mechanism detected by the state detection unit and the opening degree information stored in the storage unit.

In the above-described liquid processing apparatus, the opening degree information includes information in which a positional relationship of the opening/closing mechanism relative to the first regulation valve is associated with the opening degree of the first regulation valve. The valve controller controls the opening degree of the first regulation valve based on the positional relationship of the opening/closing mechanism of which the state is detected by the state detection unit, and the opening degree information stored in the storage unit

In the above-described liquid processing apparatus, the second regulation valve is located at a position where a flow direction of the outside air introduced through the second outside air intake section is orthogonal to the flow direction of the exhaust gas at a position of the common exhaust path where the second outside air intake section is formed.

In the above-described liquid processing apparatus, the liquid processing units are configured to supply a plurality of kinds of processing liquids to the processing target object. There is provided a plurality of common exhaust paths to correspond to the kinds of processing liquids, and an outflow point of the exhaust gas flowing through each of the individual flow paths is switched to any one of the common exhaust paths depending on the kinds of processing liquids.

In the above-described liquid processing apparatus, at least one of the first outside air intake section and the second outside air intake section is configured to introduce, as the outside air, atmospheric gas around the liquid processing units.

In the above-described liquid processing apparatus, the valve controller is configured, when the sum of the number of opening/closing mechanisms that are open is equal to or larger than a predetermined number, to change the opening degree of the first regulation valve based on a sum of the number of opening/closing mechanisms that are opened in a state where the second regulation valve is closed, and, when the sum of the number of opening/closing mechanisms that are open is less than the predetermined number, to change the opening degree of the second regulation valve in a state where the opening degree of the first regulation valve is maintained.

With one aspect of the exemplary embodiments, it is possible to suppress pressure fluctuation in a plurality of liquid processing units in a liquid processing apparatus.

First Exemplary Embodiment

1. Configuration of Substrate Processing System

FIG. 1is a view illustrating an outline of a substrate processing system provided with a processing unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In the following, in order to clarify positional relationships, the X-axis, Y-axis and 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 a 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 unit14. 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, and transfers 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 units16is 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 substrate processing system1. The controller18controls the operations of the substrate processing system1by reading and executing the program stored in the storage unit19.

Further, the program may be recorded in a computer-readable storage medium, and installed from the storage medium to the storage unit19of the control device4. The computer-readable storage 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 station3and 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 processed and placed on the delivery unit14, the wafer W returns to the carrier C of the carrier placing section11by the substrate transfer device.

Meanwhile, the processing station3is an exemplary liquid processing apparatus, and the processing unit16is an exemplary liquid processing unit. In addition, the number of processing units16illustrated inFIG. 1is given by way of example, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

Next, an outline of the processing unit16of the substrate processing system1will be described with reference toFIG. 2.FIG. 2is a view illustrating an outline of the 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 in 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. Detailed Configuration of Processing Unit

Next, a configuration of the processing unit16will be described in more detail with reference toFIG. 3.FIG. 3is a diagram illustrating an exemplary detailed configuration of the processing unit16.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, an inert gas source23is connected to the FFU21via a valve22. The FFU21supplies an inert gas such as, for example, N2gas supplied from the inert gas source23to the inside of the chamber20. Meanwhile, the inert gas supplied from the FFU21to the inside of the chamber20is discharged to the outside of the chamber20from the exhaust port52when a valve of a corresponding opening/closing mechanism (described below) is opened. This will be described later.

A holding member311configured to hold a wafer W from a side surface thereof is provided on the top surface of the holding unit31provided in the substrate holding mechanism30. The wafer W is horizontally held in a state in which it is slightly spaced apart from the top surface of the holding unit31by the holding member311.

The processing fluid supply unit40includes a nozzle41, an arm42configured to horizontally support the nozzle41, and a pivoting and lifting mechanism43configured to pivot and lift the arm42. One end of a pipe (not illustrated) is connected to the nozzle41, and the other end of the pipe is diverged into a plurality of pipes. In addition, an alkali-based processing liquid source70a, an acid-based processing liquid source70b, an organic-based processing liquid source70c, and a DIW source70dare connected to the ends of the diverged pipes, respectively. In addition, valves60ato60dare provided between the respective sources70ato70dand the nozzle41, respectively.

The processing fluid supply unit40supplies an alkali-based processing liquid, an acid-based processing liquid, an organic-based processing liquid, and a DIW (room-temperature pure water), which are supplied from the respective sources70ato70d, from the nozzle41to a front surface (processing target surface) of the wafer W, thereby liquid-processing the wafer W. Meanwhile, the wafer W is an exemplary processing target object on which a liquid processing is performed. In addition, it has been described above that the processing fluid supply unit40is configured to perform a liquid processing on the front surface of the wafer W, the processing fluid supply unit40is not limited thereto, and may be configured to perform the liquid processing on, for example, a rear surface or a peripheral edge of the wafer W.

In the present exemplary embodiment, SCI (a mixture liquid of ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, and water) is used as the alkali-based processing liquid, diluted hydrofluoric acid (DHF) is used as the acid-based processing liquid, and isopropylalcohol (IPA) is used as the organic-based processing liquid. Meanwhile, the acid-based processing liquid, the alkali-based processing liquid, and the organic-based processing liquid are not limited thereto.

3. Exhaust System of Processing Unit

Next, an exhaust processing of the processing unit16will be described. One end of an individual exhaust path100is connected to the exhaust port52of the processing unit16, and an exhaust gas from the inside of the processing unit16flows in the individual exhaust path100.

Meanwhile, the other end of the individual exhaust path100is connected to a common exhaust path120, and the exhaust gases from the plurality of processing units16are discharged all at once through the common exhaust path120. Exhaust mechanisms131to133such as, for example, pumps (see, e.g.,FIG. 4to be described below) are connected to the common exhaust path120, and the pressure in each processing unit16is suppressed from being fluctuated at a timing where a liquid processing is performed by maintaining the exhaust flow rate of the common exhaust path120constantly. This will be described below.

In this way, the individual exhaust path100is connected to the processing unit16at one upstream-side end thereof in the flow direction of exhaust gas, and to the common exhaust path120at the other downstream-side end thereof. Meanwhile, in the present specification, the expression “upstream” or “downstream” means, for example, “upstream” or “downstream” in the flow direction of the exhaust gas discharged from the processing unit16.

The processing station3according to the present exemplary embodiment is provided with a plurality of processing units16so as to increase the number of wafers W to be processed per unit time (throughput).

However, when the plurality of processing units16is provided or the exhaust amount of the processing units16is increased as described above, a further improvement is required in order to suppress pressure fluctuation of each processing unit16.

Therefore, the processing station3according to the present exemplary embodiment is configured so as to suppress pressure fluctuation of the processing units16. Hereinafter, this configuration will be described in detail.

FIG. 4is a view illustrating an exhaust path in the processing station3including the processing units16. Meanwhile, althoughFIG. 4illustrates five (5) processing units16, the number of processing units is given by way of example and is not limited thereto. In addition, in the following description, the five processing units16may be referred to as first to fifth processing units16ato16ein some cases, and may also be referred to as “the processing units16” when the first to fifth processing units16ato16eare not distinguished.

As illustrated inFIG. 4, the processing station3includes individual exhaust paths100, a common exhaust path120, an opening/closing mechanism200, first outside air intake sections141to143, first regulation valves151to153, second outside air intake sections161to163, and second regulation valves171to173.

The individual exhaust paths100are connected to the first to fifth processing units16ato16e, respectively. Meanwhile, inFIG. 4, the individual exhaust path100connected to a first processing unit16ais referred to as the “first individual exhaust path100a,” and the individual exhaust path100connected to the second processing unit16bis referred to as a “second individual exhaust path100b.” Likewise, the individual exhaust paths100connected to the third to fifth processing units16cto16eare referred to as “third to fifth individual exhaust paths100cto100e,” respectively. In addition, in the following description, the term, “individual exhaust paths100” may be used when the first to fifth individual exhaust paths100ato100eare not distinguished.

The common exhaust path120includes dedicated common exhaust paths121to123so that an exhaust processing is performed for each kind of processing liquid. Specifically, the alkali-based exhaust gas discharged from the processing unit16when SCI is used, the acid-based exhaust gas discharged from the processing unit16when DHF is used, and the organic-based exhaust gas discharged from the processing unit16when IPA is used, may be discharged separately in terms of, for example, preventing contamination of the exhaust paths. Therefore, in the substrate processing system1according to the present exemplary embodiment, a plurality of exhaust paths is formed to correspond to a plurality of kinds of processing liquids in such a manner that an exhaust path is provided for each of the alkali-based exhaust gas, the acid-based exhaust gas, and the organic-based exhaust gas.

Specifically, the dedicated common exhaust path121is an exhaust path through which the alkali-based exhaust gas flows, the dedicated common exhaust path122is an exhaust path through which the acid-based exhaust gas flows, and the dedicated common exhaust path123is an exhaust path through which the organic-based exhaust gas flows. Meanwhile, inFIG. 4, the flow directions of the exhaust gases in the dedicated common exhaust paths121to123are represented by broken line arrows E, respectively.

The opening/closing mechanism200is provided in the middle of each of the first to fifth individual exhaust paths100ato100e. Meanwhile, inFIG. 4, the opening/closing mechanism200provided in the first individual exhaust path100ais indicated as a “first opening/closing mechanism200a,” and the opening/closing mechanism200provided in the second individual exhaust path100bis indicated as a “second opening/closing mechanism200b.” Likewise, the opening/closing mechanisms200provided in the third to fifth individual exhaust paths100cto100eare indicated as “third to fifth opening/closing mechanisms200cto200e.” In addition, in the following description, the opening/closing mechanism200may be described when the first to fifth opening/closing mechanisms200ato200eare not distinguished.

Each of the first to fifth opening/closing mechanisms200ato200eswitches an outflow point of exhaust gas flowing through a corresponding one of the first to fifth individual exhaust paths100ato100eto any one of the dedicated common exhaust paths121to123according to the kind of a processing liquid.

Specifically, the individual exhaust path100is diverged, in the opening/closing mechanism200, into three exhaust paths, which are connected to the dedicated common exhaust paths121to123, respectively, and the opening/closing mechanism200selectively opens and closes the three exhaust paths, thereby switching the outflow points of exhaust gases. Specifically, although not illustrated, the opening/closing mechanism200may include, for example, opening/closing valves on the three exhaust paths, respectively, and may switch the outflow points of exhaust gases by opening and closing the opening/closing valves. Accordingly, the exhaust processing may be appropriately performed according to the processing liquid.

Meanwhile, the first to fifth opening/closing mechanisms200ato200eare connected to the control device4(see, e.g.,FIG. 1), and the opening/closing valves of the first to fifth opening/closing mechanisms200ato200eare controlled based on command values from the control device4, whereby the outflow points of exhaust gases are switched.

In addition, the exhaust mechanisms131to133are connected to the downstream sides of the dedicated common exhaust paths121to123, respectively. Gas intake devices, such as, for example, pumps may be used as the exhaust mechanisms131to133.

The exhaust mechanisms131to133are provided, for example, outside the processing station3, and intake the exhaust gases flowing through the dedicated common exhaust paths121to123, and pressure-feed the exhaust gases to a recovery facility (not illustrated).

In addition, the exhaust amount of each of the exhaust mechanisms131to133is set to a value that is capable of for suctioning the exhaust gas discharged in the case where all of the first to fifth processing units16ato16ehave performed an exhaust processing, and the dedicated common exhaust paths121to123are maintained at a constant set exhaust amount.

Meanwhile, it has been described above that the substrate processing system1is configured to include the exhaust mechanisms131to133in the above description. However, the substrate processing system is not limited thereto. That is, for example, the substrate processing system1may be configured such that an exhaust mechanism (not illustrated) is installed at a factory side where the substrate processing system1is disposed and the dedicated common exhaust paths121to123are connected to the exhaust mechanism.

Here, the dedicated common exhaust path121will be described among the dedicated common exhaust paths121to123. Meanwhile, the following descriptions of the dedicated common exhaust path121may also be applied to the other dedicated common exhaust paths122and123.

The dedicated common exhaust path121includes a horizontal portion121xconfigured to extend horizontally, and a drop portion121zformed at the downstream side of the horizontal portion121xso as to vertically extend downward. Meanwhile, the dedicated common exhaust path121is not limited to the above-described shape, and for example, may have any other shape such as for example, a shape in which a horizontally extending pipe is additionally provided at the downstream side of the drop portion121z.

The horizontal portion121xof the dedicated common exhaust path121is connected to the other end of each of the first to fifth individual exhaust paths100ato100e. Specifically, the fifth individual exhaust path100e, the fourth individual exhaust path100d, the third individual exhaust path100c, the second individual exhaust path100b, and the first individual exhaust path100aare connected to the horizontal portion121xin this order from the upstream side.

Meanwhile, inFIG. 4, in the horizontal portion121x, a connection region121aconnected to the first individual exhaust path100ais represented by being surrounded by a broken line. Likewise, a connection region121bconnected to the second individual exhaust path100b, a connection region121cconnected to the third individual exhaust path100c, a connection region121dconnected to the fourth individual exhaust path100d, and a connection region121econnected to the fifth individual exhaust path100eare represented by being surrounded by broken lines.

The first outside air intake section141, the first regulation valve151, the second outside air intake section161, and the second regulation valve171are provided in the dedicated common exhaust path121.

The first outside air intake section141is an opening formed in an end of the dedicated common exhaust path121at the opposite side of the exhaust mechanism131, and intakes outside air into the dedicated common exhaust path121through the opening.

Specifically, the first outside air intake section141is formed at the most upstream side of the dedicated common exhaust path121in the flow direction of exhaust gas, which is disposed at the upstream side from the connection regions121ato121ewhich are connected to the individual exhaust paths100, respectively. More specifically, the first outside air intake section141is formed at the upstream side from the connection region121e, which is located at the most upstream side among the connection regions121ato121e.

The first regulation valve151is provided between the first outside air intake section141and the connection region121e, which is located at the most upstream side among the connection regions (including the case of being installed in the first outside air intake section141), and regulates the flow rate of the outside air introduced from the first outside air intake section141. In addition, the first regulation valve151is located at a position where the flow direction of outside air (the arrow D1) introduced through the first outside air intake section141is parallel to the flow direction of exhaust gas (the arrow E) at a position where the first outside air intake section141of the dedicated common exhaust path121is formed. Thereby, for example, a pressure loss in a flow path, which extends from the first outside air intake section141to the dedicated common exhaust path121through the first regulation valve151, may be suppressed.

The second outside air intake section161is the most downstream side of the horizontal portion121xin the dedicated common exhaust path121, and in addition, is an opening formed vertically above the most upstream side of the drop portion121z. Outside-air is introduced into the dedicated common exhaust path121through the opening.

Specifically, the second outside air intake section161is formed at the downstream side from the connection region121a, which is located at the most downstream side of the dedicated common exhaust path121in the flow direction of exhaust gas among the connection regions121ato121e.

In this way, in the present exemplary embodiment, the first and second outside air intake sections141and161are formed in the dedicated common exhaust path121, so that outside air is introduced from a plurality of regions (specifically, two (2) regions). In this way, pressure fluctuation of the processing units16may be suppressed.

That is, for example, when a single outside air intake section is provided, a large quantity of outside-air may be introduced from the single outside air intake section into the dedicated common exhaust path121depending on the state of the exhaust gas in the processing units16. When a large quantity of outside air is introduced from the single outside air intake section, the processing unit16close to the outside air intake section is affected thereby such that the pressure is relatively largely lowered and thus pressure fluctuation is caused.

Thus, in the present exemplary embodiment, as the first and second outside air intake sections141and161are formed in the dedicated common exhaust path121, outside air introduction places are dispersed to two regions so as to reduce the quantity of outside sir introduced from one outside air intake section. By this, even if a large quantity of outside air is introduced into the dedicated common exhaust path121, it is possible to reduce the influence on the processing unit16may be reduced, and to suppress the pressure fluctuation in the processing units16.

In addition, because the second outside air intake section161is located at the downstream side from the most downstream connection region121a, the second outside air intake section161may be easily formed in the dedicated common exhaust path121without changing the arrangement of the plurality of processing units16or the opening/closing mechanism200.

Meanwhile, a position in the dedicated common exhaust path121at which the second outside air intake section161is formed is not limited to the position illustrated inFIG. 4. That is, the second outside air intake section161may be formed in the dedicated common exhaust path121at the downstream side from the connection region121e, which is located at the most upstream side among the connection regions121ato121e.

That is, for example, the second outside air intake section161may be formed in the dedicated common exhaust path121at any other place such as, for example, between the connection region121aand the connection region121bor between the connection region121band the connection region121c. Even when the second outside air intake section161is formed at any other place described above, it is possible to prevent the pressure fluctuation in the plurality of processing units16.

The second regulation valve171is provided in the second outside air intake section161, and regulates the flow rate of outside air introduced from the second outside air intake section161. In addition, the second outside air intake section161is located at a position at which the flow direction of outside air (the arrow D2) introduced through the second outside air intake section161is orthogonal to the flow direction of exhaust gas (the arrow E) at a position of the dedicated common exhaust path121at which the second outside air intake section161is formed.

Thus, for example, when the second regulation valve171is opened, the introduced outside air may easily join exhaust gas flowing inside the dedicated common exhaust path121. Meanwhile, since the second regulation valve171is located as described above when it is closed, the second regulation is unlikely to interrupt the flow of exhaust gas in the dedicated common exhaust path121.

Meanwhile, for example, butterfly type exhaust dampers may be used as the first and second regulation valves151and171. In addition, the first and second regulation valves151and171are connected to the control device4(see, e.g.,FIG. 1). The opening degrees of the first and second regulation valves151and171are controlled by the control device4such that the flow rate of outside air passing through the first outside air intake section141or the second outside air intake section161is regulated.

Here, the first outside air intake section141and the second outside air intake section161will be described in more detail. The first and second outside air intake sections141and161are configured to introduce, as the outside air, the atmosphere air around the processing unit16in the processing station3and to discharge the atmospheric gas through the dedicated common exhaust path121.

Specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 4, the processing station3includes cases3aand3b. Meanwhile, inFIG. 4, in order to simplify an illustration, both the cases3aand3bare schematically represented by alternate long and short dash lines.

The case3aaccommodates main machinery that constitutes the processing station3, such as, for example, the first to fifth processing units16ato16eor the first to fifth opening/closing mechanisms200ato200etherein.

The case3baccommodates, for example, liquid pipes or valves60ato60d, which supply a processing liquid from the respective sources70ato70dto the first to fifth processing units16ato16e. Meanwhile, the case3bis located inside the case3a.

The first outside air intake section141, i.e. the opening is located inside the case3b. Thus, when the first regulation valve151is opened, the atmospheric gas within the case3bis introduced, as the outside air, from the first outside air intake section141into the dedicated common exhaust path121, and is discharged to the outside of the processing station3.

In addition, the second outside air intake section161, i.e. the opening is located inside the case3a. Thus, when the second regulation valve171is opened, the atmospheric gas within the case3ais introduced, as the outside air, from the second outside air intake section161into the dedicated common exhaust path121, and is discharged to the outside of the processing station3.

In this way, by locating the first and second outside air intake sections141and161inside the cases3aand3b, the dedicated common exhaust path121may function as an exhaust path inside the processing unit16as well as an exhaust path around the processing unit161including, for example, a liquid pipe or the periphery of the valves60ato60d.

Meanwhile, it has been described above that the atmospheric air around the processing unit16is introduced from both the first and second outside air intake sections141and161. However, without being limited thereto, the first and second outside air intake sections141and161may be configured such that the atmospheric gas may be introduced from any one of the first and second outside air intake sections141and161.

The other dedicated common exhaust paths122and123have the same configuration as the dedicated common exhaust path121. That is, the dedicated common exhaust path122includes a horizontal portion122xand a drop portion122z. The first to fifth individual exhaust paths100ato100eare connected to the horizontal portion122xthrough connection regions122ato122e, respectively.

In the dedicated common exhaust path122, a first outside air intake section142is formed at the upstream side from the connection region122e, which is located at the most upstream side, and a first regulation valve152is provided between the first outside air intake section142and the connection region122e, which is located at the most upstream side, among the connection regions. In addition, in the dedicated common exhaust path122, a second outside air intake section162is formed at the downstream side from the connection region122a, which is located at the most downstream side, and a second regulation valve172is provided in the second outside air intake section162.

The dedicated common exhaust path123includes a horizontal portion123xand a drop portion123z. The first to fifth individual exhaust paths100ato100eare connected to horizontal portion123xthrough connection regions123ato123e, respectively.

In the dedicated common exhaust path123, a first outside air intake section143is formed at the upstream side from the connection region123e, which is located at the most upstream side, and a first regulation valve153is provided between the first outside air intake section143and the connection region123e, which is located at the most upstream side, among the connection regions. In addition, in the dedicated common exhaust path123, a second outside air intake section163is formed at the downstream side from the connection region123a, which is located at the most downstream side, and a second regulation valve173is provided in the second outside air intake section163.

The processing station3further includes exhaust pressure detection units101to103. The exhaust pressure detection unit101is provided in a flow path of each of the first to fifth individual exhaust paths100ato100e, which are connected to the dedicated common exhaust path121at the downstream side from the opening/closing mechanism200, and outputs a signal indicating the pressure of the exhaust gas discharged to the dedicated common exhaust path121. That is, the exhaust pressure detection unit101detects the pressure of alkali-based exhaust gas discharged from the first to fifth processing units16ato16e.

The exhaust pressure detection unit102is installed in a flow path of each of the first to fifth individual exhaust paths100ato100e, which are connected to the dedicated common exhaust path122at the downstream side from the opening/closing mechanism200, and outputs a signal indicating the pressure of exhaust gas discharged to the dedicated common exhaust path122. That is, the exhaust pressure detection unit102detects the pressure of acid-based exhaust gas discharged from the first to fifth processing units16ato16e.

The exhaust pressure detection unit103is installed in a flow path of each of the first to fifth individual exhaust paths100ato100e, which are connected to the dedicated common exhaust path123at the downstream side from the opening/closing mechanism200, and outputs a signal indicating the pressure of exhaust gas discharged to the dedicated common exhaust path123. That is, the exhaust pressure detection unit103detects the pressure of organic-based exhaust gas discharged from the first to fifth processing units16ato16e.

The signals output from the exhaust pressure detection units101to103are input to the control device4(see, e.g.,FIG. 1). Meanwhile, for example, pressure sensors may be used as the exhaust pressure detection units101to103, without being limited thereto.

In the processing station3configured as described above, for example, the first regulation valves151,152and153, the second regulation valves171,172and173, and the first to fifth opening/closing mechanisms200ato200eare controlled by the control device4.

4. Detailed Configuration of Control Device

Next, the control device4will be described in more detail with reference toFIG. 5.FIG. 5is a block diagram of the control device4. Meanwhile, in the following description ofFIG. 5, the control of the first regulation valve151or the second regulation valve171will be described by way of example. Meanwhile, because the following description of the first regulation valve151or the second regulation valve171may also be applied to the control of the first regulation valves152and153or the second regulation valves172and173, the illustration in the block diagram and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

In addition,FIG. 5illustrates constituent elements required to describe the present exemplary embodiment with functional blocks, and the descriptions of general constituent elements are omitted. In other words, the respective constituent elements illustrated inFIG. 5correspond to functional concepts, and are not necessary to be physically configured as illustrated. For example, the detailed forms of dispersion/integration of the respective functional blocks are not limited to the illustration, and some or all of the functional blocks may be functionally or physically dispersed or integrated in an arbitrary unit according to, for example, various loads or use situations.

In addition, all or some arbitrary ones among respective processing functions performed in the respective functional blocks may be realized by a processor such as, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) and programs, which are interpreted and executed by the processor, or may be realized as hardware by wired logic.

First, as described above, the control device4includes a controller18and a storage unit19(see, e.g.,FIG. 1). The controller18is, for example, a CPU. The controller18functions as, for example, respective functional blocks18aand18billustrated inFIG. 5by reading and executing programs (not illustrated) stored in the storage unit19. Next, the respective functional blocks18aand18bwill be described.

As illustrated inFIG. 5, for example, the controller18includes an opening/closing mechanism controller18aand a valve controller18b. In addition, the storage unit19stores a predetermined amount of information19a.

The opening/closing mechanism controller18aoutputs a command value, which depends on the kind of processing liquid used in the processing unit16, to the opening/closing mechanism200so as to control the opening/closing valve of the opening/closing mechanism200. Specifically, for example, in the first processing unit16a, when SC1, which is an alkali-based processing liquid, is supplied to the wafer W, the opening/closing mechanism controller18acontrols the first opening/closing mechanism200aso that the first individual exhaust path100acommunicates with the dedicated common exhaust path121. By this, the alkali-based exhaust gas within the first processing unit16amay be discharged to the dedicated common exhaust path121.

In addition, for example, in the first processing unit16a, when DHF, which is an acid-based processing liquid, is supplied to the wafer W, the opening/closing mechanism controller18acontrols the first opening/closing mechanism200aso that the first individual exhaust path100acommunicates with the dedicated common exhaust path122. By this, the acid-based exhaust gas within the first processing unit16amay be discharged to the dedicated common exhaust path122.

Likewise, in the first processing unit16a, when IPA, which is an organic-based processing liquid, is supplied to the wafer W, the opening/closing mechanism controller18acontrols the first opening/closing mechanism200aso that the first individual exhaust path100acommunicates with the dedicated common exhaust path123. By this, the organic-based exhaust gas within the first processing unit16amay be discharged to the dedicated common exhaust path123.

A signal, which indicates the exhaust pressure of the individual exhaust path100detected by the exhaust pressure detection unit101, is input to the valve controller18b. The valve controller18bcalculates an exhaust amount based on the exhaust pressure of the individual exhaust path100by using a relational expression between a preset exhaust pressure and an exhaust amount of the individual exhaust path100. Then, the valve controller18bcontrols the first regulation valve151and the second regulation valve171based on the exhaust amount of the individual exhaust path100. As such, the exhaust pressure detection unit101may be an exemplary exhaust amount detection unit because the exhaust amount may be calculated based on the output of the exhaust pressure detection unit101.

Specifically, because the exhaust pressure detection unit101is installed in each of the first to fifth individual exhaust paths100ato100eas described above, signals from the five exhaust pressure detection units101are input to the valve controller18b.

The valve controller18bincludes an exhaust amount detection unit configured to add the exhaust amounts acquired from the exhaust pressures detected by the five exhaust pressure detection units101, and calculates the total exhaust amount, which is the sum of the exhaust amounts of the first to fifth individual exhaust paths100ato100e. Meanwhile, the total exhaust amount of the first to fifth individual exhaust paths100ato100ecorresponds to the total exhaust amount of the first to fifth processing units16ato16e.

The valve controller18bcompares the calculated total exhaust amount of the individual exhaust path100with a predetermined amount A, which is a preset exhaust amount, and controls the first and second regulation valves151and171based on the result of the comparison. The control of the first and second regulation valves151and171will be described with reference toFIG. 6andFIGS. 7A to 7C.

FIG. 6is a view illustrating an exemplary relationship between the total exhaust amount of the individual exhaust path100and the opening degrees of the first and second regulation valves151and171. Meanwhile, inFIG. 6, the opening degree of the first regulation valve151is represented by a solid line while the opening degree of the second regulation valve171is represented by a broken line. In addition,FIGS. 7A to 7Care views for explaining an operation of the first and second regulation valves151and171.

As illustrated inFIG. 6, the valve controller18bcloses both the first and second regulation valves151and171when the total exhaust amount of the individual exhaust path100is at or near the maximum value. That is, as illustrated inFIG. 7A, when the total exhaust amount of the individual exhaust path100is at or near the maximum value, it may be estimated that an exhaust processing is being performed in all the first to fifth processing units16ato16e.

In addition, the exhaust amount of the exhaust mechanism131, as described above, is set to a value that is capable of suctioning an exhaust gas discharged in the case where an exhaust processing has been performed in all of the first to fifth processing units16ato16e. Therefore, inFIG. 7A, because the supply flow rate from the FFU21(see, e.g.,FIG. 3) of the first to fifth processing units16ato16eand the exhaust amount of the exhaust mechanism131are balanced, it is not necessary to introduce outside air from, for example, the first outside air intake section141. Accordingly, the valve controller18bcloses both the first and second regulation valves151and171when the total exhaust amount of the individual exhaust path100is at or near the maximum value.

Referring toFIG. 6again, the valve controller18bopens the first regulation valve151when the total exhaust amount of the individual exhaust path100is less than the maximum value, but equal to or more than the predetermined flow rate A. Specifically, the valve controller18bperforms a control such that the first regulation valve151is slowly opened as the total exhaust amount is reduced from the maximum value, and a preset and predetermined opening degree α is achieved when the total exhaust amount becomes the predetermined amount A. Meanwhile, the second regulation valve171remains closed.

That is, as illustrated inFIG. 7B, when the total exhaust amount of the individual exhaust path100is less than the maximum value, but equal to or more than the predetermined amount A, it may be estimated that no exhaust processing is being performed in some of the first to fifth processing units16ato16e.

Meanwhile,FIG. 7Billustrates a state in which no exhaust processing is being performed in the fourth and fifth processing units16dand16e. However, this is merely given by way of example and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In addition, here, the expression “no exhaust processing is being performed” means that exhaust processing to the dedicated common exhaust path121is not being performed, and does not mean that exhaust processing to the other dedicated common exhaust paths122and123is also not being performed.

When no exhaust processing is being performed in the fourth and fifth processing units16dand16e, the exhaust amount of the exhaust mechanism131is constant so that the exhaust amount of the first to third processing units16ato16cmay be increased, thereby causing pressure fluctuation.

Therefore, the valve controller18bis configured to introduce outside air from the first outside air intake section141to the dedicated common exhaust path121(the arrow D1) by opening the first regulation valve151. By this, the exhaust amount of the first to third processing units16ato16cis hardly increased, which may suppress pressure fluctuation.

Meanwhile, the predetermined amount A is the lower limit value of the total exhaust amount of the individual exhaust path100, which may suppress pressure fluctuation using the flow rate of outside air introduced from the first outside air intake section141. The predetermined amount A is preset, for example, through tests. The set predetermined amount A is stored, as the predetermined amount information19a, in the storage unit19. In addition, the predetermined opening degree α may be set to an arbitrary value.

Meanwhile, it has been described above that the valve controller18bopens the first regulation valve151and closes the second regulation valve171. However, the valve controller18bis not limited thereto, and may open the second regulation valve171and close the first regulation valve151.

Referring toFIG. 6again, the valve controller18bopens the first regulation valve151and the second regulation valve171when the total exhaust amount of the individual exhaust path100is less than the predetermined amount A. Specifically, the valve controller18badditionally opens the second regulation valve171, in addition to the first regulation valve151that has been open, when the total exhaust amount is less than the predetermined amount A. Specifically, the valve controller18bperforms a control such that the second regulation valve171is slowly opened as the total exhaust amount is reduced from the predetermined amount A, thereby the predetermined opening degree α is achieved when the total flow rate is at or near the minimum value. Meanwhile, the first regulation valve151remains at the predetermined opening degree α.

That is, as illustrated inFIG. 7C, when the total exhaust amount of the individual exhaust path100is less than the predetermined amount A, it may be estimated that the number of processing units16, in which no exhaust processing is being performed among the first to fifth processing units16ato16eis increased, compared to the state illustrated inFIG. 7B. Meanwhile, althoughFIG. 7Cillustrates a state in which no exhaust processing is being performed in the second to fifth processing units16bto16e, this is merely given by way of example, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

When no exhaust processing is being performed in the second to fifth processing units16bto16e, the exhaust amount of the exhaust mechanism131is constant the exhaust amount of the first processing unit16amay be increased relatively largely, thereby causing pressure fluctuation.

Therefore, the valve controller18bis configured to introduce outside air from the second outside air intake section161to the dedicated common exhaust path121(the arrow D2) by opening the second regulation valve171, in addition to opening the first regulation valve151.

That is, when the total exhaust amount, which is the sum of the exhaust amounts of the individual exhaust paths100added by the exhaust amount detection unit, is equal to or more than a preset exhaust amount, the valve controller18bchanges the opening degree of the first regulation valve151based on the total exhaust amount of the individual exhaust path100in a state in which the second regulation valve171is closed. When the total exhaust amount, which is the sum of the exhaust amounts of the individual exhaust paths100, is less than the preset exhaust amount, the valve controller18bopens the second regulation valve171while maintaining the opening degree of the first regulation valve151, and also changes the opening degree of the second regulation valve171based on the sum of the exhaust amounts of the individual flow paths100.

By introducing outside air from two regions as described above, the exhaust amount of the first processing unit16ais hardly increased, which may suppress pressure fluctuation.

5. Detailed Operation of Substrate Processing System

Next, an exhaust processing executed in the substrate processing system1will be described. Here, prior to describing the exhaust processing, a series of substrate processing executed in the substrate processing system1according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described.

FIG. 8is a flowchart illustrating one example of the processing sequence of a substrate processing executed in the substrate processing system1.

As illustrated inFIG. 8, the controller18first performs a first chemical liquid processing (Step S101). In the first chemical liquid processing, first, the driving unit33rotates the holding unit31, thereby rotating the wafer W held on the holding unit31at a predetermined rotating speed. Then, the controller18causes the nozzle41of the processing fluid supply unit40to be located above the center of the wafer W. Thereafter, the controller18causes the valve60ato be opened for a predetermined time period so as to supply SC1, supplied from the alkali-based processing liquid source70a, to the processing target surface of the wafer W through the nozzle41.

Subsequently, the controller18performs a first rinse processing (Step S102). In the first rinse processing, the controller18causes the valve60dto be opened for a predetermined time period so as to supply DIW, supplied from the DIW source70d, to the processing target surface of the wafer W through the nozzle41.

Subsequently, the controller18performs a second chemical liquid processing (Step S103). In the second chemical liquid processing, the controller18causes the valve60bto be opened for a predetermined time period so as to supply DHF, supplied from the acid-based processing liquid source70b, to the processing target surface of the wafer W through the nozzle41.

Subsequently, the controller18performs a second rinse processing (Step S104). In the second rinse processing, the controller18causes the valve60dto be opened for a predetermined time period so as to supply DIW, supplied from the DIW source70d, to the processing target surface of the wafer W through the nozzle41.

Subsequently, the controller18performs a drying processing (Step S105). In the drying processing, the controller18causes the valve60cto be opened for a predetermined time period so as to supply IPA, supplied from the organic-based processing liquid source70c, to the processing target surface of the wafer W through the nozzle41. Thereafter, the controller18increases the rotating speed of the wafer w so as to dispel IPA on the wafer W, thereby drying the wafer W.

Next, an exhaust processing executed in the substrate processing system1will be described with reference toFIG. 9.FIG. 9is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary processing sequence of an exhaust processing executed in the substrate processing system1. Here, the exhaust processing is performed along with the substrate processing.

As illustrated inFIG. 9, the opening/closing mechanism controller18aof the controller18controls the opening/closing mechanism200based on the kind of a processing liquid used in the processing unit16(Step S201). By this, the atmospheric gas within the processing unit16is appropriately discharged to the dedicated common exhaust paths121to123based on the processing liquid.

Subsequently, the valve controller18bdetects the exhaust amount of the individual flow path100based on the exhaust pressure detected by the exhaust pressure detection unit101(Step S202). In succession, the valve controller18bcontrols the first regulation valve151and the second regulation valve171based on the detected exhaust amount (Step S203). By this, outside air from the first outside air intake section141or the second outside air intake section161is appropriately introduced into the dedicated common exhaust path121, thereby suppressing pressure fluctuation in the processing unit16.

Second Exemplary Embodiment

6. Configuration of Substrate Processing System According to Second Exemplary Embodiment

Subsequently, the substrate processing system1according to the second exemplary embodiment will be described. Meanwhile, in the following description, the same parts as those described above are designated by the same reference numerals as the parts described above, and redundant descriptions will be omitted. In addition, in the description of the second exemplary embodiment, the control of the first and second regulation valves151and171will be described by way of example, as in the description of the first exemplary embodiment.

The control device4of the substrate processing system1according to the second exemplary embodiment is configured to detect the state of the opening/closing mechanism200and to control the first and second regulation valves151and171based on the detected state of the opening/closing mechanism200in the exhaust processing.

More specifically, the controller18further includes a state detection unit18cconfigured to detect the state of the opening/closing mechanism200as represented by an imaginary line inFIG. 5. In addition, the storage unit19stores opening degree information19b, as indicated by imaginary lines inFIG. 5. Meanwhile, it is assumed that the storage unit19according to the second exemplary embodiment does not store a predetermined amount of information19a.

A command value, which is output from the opening/closing mechanism controller18ato the opening/closing mechanism200, is input to the state detection unit18c. The command value is a control signal indicating the opening degree for the opening/closing mechanism200.

The state detection unit18cdetects the state of the opening/closing mechanism200based on the input command value. Here, the state of the opening/closing mechanism200is, for example, the number of opening/closing mechanisms200, of which the opening/closing valve is opened, among the first to fifth opening/closing mechanisms200ato200e.

Meanwhile, the state of the opening/closing mechanism200detected by the state detection unit18cis not limited thereto, and for example, may be the opening degree of the opening/closing valve of the opening/closing mechanism200. In addition, it has been described above that the state detection unit18cdetects the state of the opening/closing mechanism200using the command value of the opening/closing mechanism controller18a. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, for example, an encoder may be attached to the opening/closing valve of the opening/closing mechanism200, and the state of the opening/closing mechanism200may be detected based on a signal indicating the valve opening degree output from the encoder.

The state detection unit18coutputs a signal indicating the state of the opening/closing mechanism200, and specifically, a signal indicating the number of opening/closing mechanisms200, of which the opening/closing valve is open, to the valve controller18b. Meanwhile, the number of opening/closing mechanisms200, of which the opening/closing valves are opened, may also be referred to as the number of processing units16in which the exhaust processing is being performed and which are in communication with the dedicated common exhaust path121, among the first to fifth processing units16ato16e.

The valve controller18bcontrols the first and second regulation valves151and171based on the state of the opening/closing mechanism200detected by the state detection unit18c, in other words, the number of communicating processing units16and the opening degree information19b.FIG. 10is a view illustrating exemplary opening degree information19b.

As illustrated inFIG. 10, with regard to the number of communicating processing units16, the opening degrees of the first and second regulation valves151and171, which may suppress pressure fluctuation in the communicating processing unit16s, are previously acquired via tests, and the acquired opening degrees are stored, as the opening degree information19b, in the storage unit19. Meanwhile, inFIG. 10, the second predetermined opening degree α0is set to a value that is larger than 0 (zero) and is less than the predetermined opening degree α.

FIG. 10is described in detail. For example, when the number of communicating processing units16is five (5), this means that an exhaust processing is being performed in all the first to fifth processing units16ato16e(see, e.g.,FIG. 7A). Accordingly, as described above in the first exemplary embodiment, it is not necessary to introduce outside air from, for example, the first outside air intake section141, and thus, the opening degrees of the first and second regulation valves151and171are set to zero.

In addition, as the number of communicating processing units16is reduced to four (4) or three (3), the opening degree of the first regulation valve151is set to be increased stepwise to the second predetermined opening degree α0and to the predetermined opening degree α. Meanwhile, the opening degree of the second regulation valve171remains 0 (zero). By this, as described in the first exemplary embodiment, outside air from the first outside air intake section141is introduced into the dedicated common exhaust path121, and thus the exhaust amount of the communicating processing unit16is hardly increased, which may suppress pressure fluctuation (see, e.g.,FIG. 7B).

In addition, when the number of communicating processing units16is reduced to 2 or 1, the opening degree of the second regulation valve171is set so as to increase stepwise to the second predetermined opening degree α0and to the predetermined opening degree α in a state in which the opening degree of the first processing valve151remains at the predetermined opening degree α. Meanwhile, the number of processing units16is predetermined in the case where the second regulation valve171begins to open in a state in which the opening degree of the first regulation valve151remains at the predetermined opening degree α. That is, when the number of processing units16is equal to or above a predetermined number (i.e., when the sum of the opening/closing mechanisms200that are open is equal to or above a predetermined number), the opening degree of the first regulation valve151is changed in a state in which the second regulation valve171is closed. When the number of processing units16is less than the predetermined number (i.e., when the sum of the opening/closing mechanisms200that are open is less than the predetermined number), the opening degree of the second regulation valve171is changed in a state in which the first regulation valve151remains at the opening degree. Thereby, as described above in the first exemplary embodiment, outside air is introduced from the second outside air intake section161into the dedicated common exhaust path121, and thus the exhaust amount of the communicating processing units16is hardly increased, which may suppress pressure fluctuation (see, e.g.,FIG. 7C).

As described above, the opening degree information19bis information in which the state of the opening/closing mechanism200(in other words, the number of communicating processing units16) is associated with the opening degrees of the first regulation valve151and the second regulation valve171corresponding to the state of the opening/closing mechanism200. Meanwhile, as described above, in a state in which the opening degree of the second regulation valve171is zero, the opening degree of the first regulation valve151is increased stepwise to a set opening degree, and thereafter, the opening degree of the second regulation valve171is increased. In addition, in a state in which the opening degree of the first regulation valve151is zero, the opening degree of the second regulation valve171may be increased stepwise to a set opening degree, and thereafter, the opening degree of the first regulation valve151may be increased.

7. Specific Operation of Substrate Processing System According to Second Exemplary Embodiment

FIG. 11is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary processing sequence of an exhaust processing executed in the substrate processing system1according to the second exemplary embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG. 11, the opening/closing mechanism controller18aof the controller18controls the opening/closing mechanism200based on the kind of a processing liquid used in the processing unit16(Step S201). Subsequently, the state detection unit18cdetects the state of the opening/closing mechanism200(Step S202a).

Subsequently, the valve controller18bcontrols the first regulation valve151and the second regulation valve171based on the detected state of the opening/closing mechanism200(Step S203a). Specifically, when a signal indicating the detected state of the opening/closing mechanism200is input from the state detection unit18c, the valve controller18breads the opening degree information19bfrom the storage unit19. The opening degree information19bis, for example, the opening degrees of the first regulation valve151and the second regulation valve171, which are preset via tests. Specifically, the opening degree information19bis information in which the state of the opening/closing mechanism200is associated with the opening degrees of the first regulation valve151and the second regulation valve171.

In addition, the valve controller18bcontrols the first and second regulation valves151and171based on the state of the opening/closing mechanism200and the opening degree information19b. By this, outside air is appropriately introduced from the first outside air intake section141or the second outside air intake section161into the dedicated common exhaust path121, thereby suppressing pressure fluctuation in the processing units16.

Meanwhile, because the descriptions of the first regulation valve151or the second regulation valve171may also be applied to the first regulation valves152and153or the second regulation valves172and173, descriptions for the control of the first regulation valves152and153or the second regulation valves172and173will be omitted.

As described above, in the second exemplary embodiment, because the first regulation valves151to153and the second regulation valves171to173are controlled based on the state of the opening/closing mechanism200, the pressure fluctuation in the processing units16may be effectively suppressed.

In addition, in the second exemplary embodiment, the opening degree information19bpreviously stored in the storage unit19, is used. By this, the opening degrees of the first regulation valves151to153and the second regulation valves171to173may be simply controlled in early stages.

Meanwhile, the opening degree information19bmay include information in which the positional relationship of the opening/closing mechanism200relative to the first regulation valve151is associated with the opening degree of the first regulation valve151.

In addition, in the opening degree information19b, for example, when the processing units16, which are not in communication because the opening/closing valve of the opening/closing mechanism200is closed, are two processing units (the fourth and fifth processing units16dand16e), which have the positional relationship of being close to the first regulation valve151(see, e.g.,FIG. 7B), the opening degree of the first regulation valve151is set to the predetermined opening degree α. Meanwhile, here, “the positional relationship of being close to the first regulation valve151” means a close position in the flow direction of exhaust gas.

In addition, in the opening degree information19b, for example, when the processing unit16, which is not in communication, is the fifth processing unit16e, which has the positional relationship of being the closest to the first regulation valve151, the opening degree of the first regulation valve151is set to the second predetermined opening degree α0. Meanwhile, the opening degree of the first regulation valve151is merely given by way of example and is not limited thereto, and is appropriately set via, for example, tests in consideration of the positional relationship of the opening/closing mechanism200relative to the first regulation valve151.

In addition, the valve controller18bcontrols the opening degree of the first regulation valve151based on the opening degree information19band the positional relationship of the opening/closing mechanism200, the state of which is detected by the state detection unit18c. By this, it is possible to properly control the opening degree of the first regulation valve151based on the positional relationship of the processing unit16with the opening/closing mechanism200, the state of which is detected. It is also possible to further suppress the pressure fluctuation in each processing unit16. Meanwhile, the other effects are the same as those of the first exemplary embodiment, and thus a description thereof is omitted.

Meanwhile, the predetermined opening degree α or the second predetermined opening degree α0has the same value in the first regulation valves151to153and the second regulation valves171to173in the exemplary embodiment. However, without being limited thereto, and the predetermined opening degree α or the second predetermined opening degree α0may have different values.

In addition, in the opening degree information19bof the second exemplary embodiment, the opening degrees of the first regulation valves151to153or the second regulation valves171to173are set to correspond to the number of communicating processing units16, but are not limited thereto. That is, the opening degrees of the first regulation valves151to153or the second regulation valves171to173may be set so as to correspond to the distance (position) from, for example, the first outside air intake sections141to143of the communicating processing units16or the opening degree of the opening/closing mechanism200.

In addition, it has been described above that the processing station3is controlled by the control device4provided in the substrate processing system1. However, the processing station3is not limited thereto, and, for example, the processing station3may be configured to include the control device4therein.