SUBSTRATE PROCESSING DEVICE

A substrate processing device includes: a brush, cleaning a substrate held by a holding and rotating part; a brush holding part, detachably holding the brush; an arm, in which the brush holding part is provided at a tip end; a brush collection part, collecting the brush from the brush holding part; a brush installation part, storing an unused brush, and installing the unused brush that is stored to the brush holding part; and a brush movement mechanism (lifting mechanism and revolving driving part), moving the brush via an arm.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority benefit of Japan application no. 2023-026185, filed on Feb. 22, 2023. The entirety of the above-mentioned patent application is hereby incorporated by reference herein and made a part of this specification.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The invention relates to a substrate processing device that processes a substrate. Examples of substrates include semiconductor substrates, substrates for flat panel displays (FPDs), glass substrates for photomasks, substrates for optical discs, substrates for magnetic discs, ceramic substrates, substrates for solar cells, etc. Examples of FPDs include liquid crystal displays, organic electroluminescence display devices, etc.

Description of Related Art

A substrate processing device cleans a substrate by using a brush. The brush needs to be replaced periodically. The brush is generally replaced manually by the operator. However, there is an issue that the operating rate of the substrate processing device decreases and the productivity deteriorates due to brush replacement. Thus, devices able to automatically replace brushes have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Patent Document 1 discloses a scrubber cleaning device including a brush holding frame that holds multiple brushes. The brush holding frame is formed with multiple holding grooves. The scrubber cleaning device removes the brush from a brush head in an empty holding groove of the brush holding frame. The removed brush is held in the holding groove. Afterwards, the scrubber cleaning device moves another brush held by the brush holding frame to the lower side of the brush head, and installs the another brush to the brush head.

Patent Documents 2 and 3 disclose a brush cleaning device capable of selectively holding a desired brush among multiple brushes provided laterally in a standby pot.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENT(S)

However, the conventional devices have issues as follows. For example, in Patent Document 1, the used brush that has been removed is held in the brush holding frame. In such case, the used brush and the unused brush are arranged laterally. In addition, it is possible for the brush holding frame to hold an unused brush after holding the used brush that has been removed. Thus, it is possible that particles of the used brush are attached to the unused brush.

The invention provides a substrate processing device capable of automatically replacing a brush while preventing particles from being installed to an unused brush.

SUMMARY

A substrate processing device according to an aspect of the invention cleans a substrate by using a brush and includes: a substrate holding part, holding the substrate in a horizontal posture; a brush, cleaning the substrate held by the substrate holding part; a brush holding part, detachably holding the brush; an arm, in which the brush holding part is provided at a tip end; a brush collection part, collecting the brush from the brush holding part; a brush installation part, storing the brush, which is an unused brush, and installing the unused brush that is stored to the brush holding part; and a brush movement mechanism, moving, via the arm, the brush among a processing position on the substrate held by the substrate holding part, the brush collection part, and the brush installation part.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

A substrate processing device according to an aspect of the invention cleans a substrate by using a brush and includes: a substrate holding part, holding the substrate in a horizontal posture; a brush, cleaning the substrate held by the substrate holding part; a brush holding part, detachably holding the brush; an arm, in which the brush holding part is provided at a tip end; a brush collection part, collecting the brush from the brush holding part; a brush installation part, storing the brush, which is an unused brush, and installing the unused brush that is stored to the brush holding part; and a brush movement mechanism, moving, via the arm, the brush among a processing position on the substrate held by the substrate holding part, the brush collection part, and the brush installation part.

According to substrate processing device of the invention, since the brush collection part and the brush installation part are separated, the used brush and the unused brush are not handled in the same region. Accordingly, the used brush that is removed can be handled in a state of being separated from the unused brush. Thus, the brush can be replaced automatically while preventing particles from being attached to the unused brush.

In addition, in the substrate processing device, it may also be that the brush installation part includes a brush accommodation container accommodating the unused brush in storage.

By including the brush accommodation container in the brush installation part, the brush installation part and the brush collection part can be separated. Thus, the particles due to the used brush can be reliably prevented from being attached to the unused brush handled by the brush installation part.

In addition, the substrate processing device may further include: a liquid supply part, supplying a liquid to the brush accommodation container. The brush accommodation container may immerse the unused brush into the liquid that is stored and store the unused brush.

When the unused brushes in storage are dried, for example, there is a possibility that particles enter fine gaps of the unused brushes. When particles enter such gaps, it takes a long time to remove the particles. Thus, after the unused brush is installed to the brush holding part, it may take a long time until brush cleaning is performed on the substrate that will become a product. Thus, the operating rate of the substrate processing device may decrease and the productivity may deteriorate. However, according to the invention, the liquid supply part supplies a liquid to the unused brushes in storage. Thus, the unused brushes in storage can be prevented from being dried. Thus, particles can be prevented from entering fine gaps of the unused brushes in storage.

In addition, in the substrate processing device, it may also be that the brush installation part further includes a horizontal movement part that horizontally moves the brush accommodation container.

Multiple unused brushes can be transported on the movement path RT when viewed in a plan view.

In addition, in the substrate processing device, it may also be that the brush collection part includes a brush collection container that collects the brush, which is a brush that has been used and removed.

By including the brush collection container in the brush collection part, the brush installation part and the brush collection part can be separated. Thus, the particles due to the used brush can be reliably prevented from being attached to the unused brush handled by the brush installation part.

In addition, in the substrate processing device, it may also be that the brush collection part includes a removal member for removing the brush.

With the removal member, the brush that has been used can be removed from the brush holding part, and such brush can be collected in the brush collection container.

In addition, in the substrate processing device, it may also be that the brush installation part is provided to be adjacent to the brush collection part.

After the used brush is removed by the brush collection part, the unused brush can be quickly installed. In addition, even in the state in which the brush installation part is adjacent to the brush collection part, the unused brush can be separated from the used brush that is removed.

In addition, the substrate processing device may further include: a separation part, provided between the brush collection part and the brush installation part and separating the brush collection part and the brush installation part.

By including the separation part between the brush collection part and the brush collection container, the brush installation part and the brush collection part can be separated. Thus, the particles due to the used brush can be prevented from being attached to the unused brush handled by the brush installation part.

In addition, in the substrate processing device, it may also be that the brush holding part includes: a hole part, formed in a cylindrically columnar shape along a central axis extending vertically; three opening parts, provided on a sidewall on an inner side of the hole part and provided about the central axis; three protrusion parts, respectively protruding from the three opening parts toward the hole part; and a biasing part, provided on an outer side of the three protrusion parts, and biasing the three protrusion parts in a direction of the central axis, the brush includes: a brush body, having a cleaning surface for cleaning the substrate; and a brush support part, supporting the brush body from a side opposite to the cleaning surface; a cylindrically columnar part, protruding from the brush support part toward the side opposite to the cleaning surface; and a recess and a longitudinal recess, provided on a sidewall of the cylindrically columnar part and about an axis of the cylindrically columnar part, wherein the longitudinal recess is recessed longitudinally in a circumferential direction; and in a case where the cylindrically columnar part is inserted into the hole part of the brush holding part, the recess accommodates one of the three protrusion parts, and the longitudinal recess accommodates at least one of remaining two protrusion parts.

The longitudinal recess is recessed longitudinally along the circumferential direction, and can accommodate two of the three steel balls. Thus, for example, when the cylindrically columnar part of the brush is inserted into the hole part of the brush holding part, one of the three steel balls is accommodated in the longitudinal recess. Thus, the movement of the brush with respect to the brush holding part in the upper-lower direction can be limited.

In addition, the substrate processing device may further include: a brush body, having a cleaning surface for cleaning the substrate; and a brush support part, supporting the brush body from a side opposite to the cleaning surface, the brush support part includes: a guide, extending in a horizontal direction set in advance on the side opposite to the cleaning surface; an opening part, provided at the guide; a protrusion part, protruding outward from the opening part; a button part, provided on an outer peripheral surface of the brush support part; and a protrusion width adjustment mechanism, adjusting a protrusion width of the protrusion part according to a pressing amount of the button part, the brush holding part includes: a guide holding part, holding the guide to be movable in the horizontal direction; and a recess, provided at the guide holding part to accommodate the protrusion part, in a case where the button part is pressed, the protrusion width adjustment mechanism makes the protrusion part retreat inwardly from the opening part, thereby allowing the brush to be able to move in the horizontal direction with respect to the brush holding part, and in a case where the button part is not pressed, the protrusion width adjustment mechanism makes the protrusion part protrude outward from the opening part, thereby allowing to accommodate the protrusion part in the recess and limit a movement of the brush in the horizontal direction.

The brush includes the guide extending in the horizontal direction set in advance. The brush holding part includes the guide holding part holding the guide to be movable in the horizontal direction. Thus, the movement of the brush in the upper-lower direction and the rotation direction with respect to the brush holding part can be limited. In addition, by accommodating the protrusion part in the recess, the movement in the horizontal direction can also be limited.

According to the substrate processing device according to the invention, it is possible to automatically replace brushes while preventing particles from being attached to an unused brush.

In the following, Embodiment 1 of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.FIG.1is a side view illustrating a schematic configuration of a substrate processing device1.FIG.2is a plan view illustrating the substrate processing device1.

(1) Basic Configuration of the Substrate Processing Device

Referring toFIGS.1and2, the substrate processing device1cleans a substrate W by using a brush25. The substrate processing device1includes a holding and rotating part3, a cup5, a processing liquid supply part7, a rinse mechanism9, and a control part101. The holding and rotating part3is equivalent to the substrate holding part of the invention.

The holding and rotating part3holds the substrate W in a horizontal posture and rotates the substrate W about a vertical axis AX1. The substrate W is formed in a disc shape. The holding and rotating part3includes a spin chuck11and a rotation driving part13. The rotation driving part13includes an electric motor. The rotation driving part13rotates the spin chuck11holding the substrate W about the vertical axis AX1.

As shown inFIG.2, the spin chuck11includes a spin base15and three or more (six, for example) holding pins17. The spin base15is formed in a disc shape. The vertical axis AX1passes through the center of the spin base15(i.e., the substrate W). The six holding pins17are erected at equal intervals on an edge part of the upper surface of the spin base15. In addition, among the six holding pins17, each of three holding pins17A provided on a side, for example, rotates about a vertical axis that passes through itself. Accordingly, the spin chuck11holds the substrate W by sandwiching the edge of the substrate W by using the six holding pins17. In addition to being a mechanical chuck described herein, the spin chuck11may also be a vacuum chuck or an electrostatic chuck.

The cup5is formed to surround the outer periphery of the substrate W in the horizontal posture held by the holding and rotating part3. The cup5receives a processing liquid scattered due to the rotation of the substrate W, for example. The cup5is configured to be able to be lifted and lowered.

The processing liquid supply part7includes a processing liquid nozzle19, a processing liquid supply pipe21, a processing liquid supply source23, and an opening/closing valve V1. The cleaning liquid nozzle19discharges the processing liquid to the substrate W held by the holding and rotating part3. As an example, pure water, such as deionized water (DIW), is used as the processing liquid. The processing liquid pipe21connects the processing liquid nozzle19and the processing liquid supply source23. The processing liquid supply source23supplies the processing liquid to the processing liquid nozzle19via the processing liquid pipe21. The opening/closing valve V1is provided at the processing liquid pipe21. The opening/closing valve V1performs supply of the processing liquid and stops the supply.

The brush mechanism9includes the brush25, the brush holding part27, a shaft29, an arm31, and an electric motor33. The brush25cleans the substrate W held by the holding and rotating part3. The brush holding part27detachably holds the brush25. The brush25and the brush holding part27will be described in detail in the following.

The upper end of the brush holding part27is fixed to the lower end of the shaft29extending in the vertical direction. The upper part of the shaft29is held to be rotatable about a vertical axis AX2by using the arm31extending in a horizontal direction. The shaft29is rotated about the vertical axis AX2by the electric motor33via a belt or a gear, for example. The brush25, the brush holding part27, and the shaft29are provided at a tip end (tip end side) of the arm31.

The brush mechanism9further includes a lifting mechanism35and a revolving driving part37. The lifting mechanism35lifts and lowers the brush25, the brush holding part27, and the arm31, etc. The lifting mechanism35includes a guide rail39and a lifting driving part41. The base end of the arm31is slidably contacted to be liftable by using the guide rail39. The guide rail39guides the arm31in the upper-lower direction. The lifting driving part41includes an electric motor and a screw shaft, for example. The lifting driving part41may also be an air cylinder.

The revolving driving part37is provided on the outer side of the substrate W held by the rotating and holding part3and the cup5. The revolving driving part37revolves the brush25, the brush holding part27, the arm31, and the lifting mechanism35, etc., about a vertical axis AX3. The revolving driving part37includes an electric motor. As shown inFIG.2, the lifting mechanism35and the revolving driving part37moves the brush25, via the arm31, among a processing position on the substrate W held by the holding and rotating part3, a standby pot43, and a brush replacement part (a brush collection part79and a brush installation part81). In addition, the lifting mechanism35and the revolving driving part37are equivalent to the brush movement mechanism of the invention.

(2) Configuration for Installing/Uninstalling the Brush

FIG.3Ais a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating the brush25and the brush holding part27.FIG.3Bis a perspective view of the brush25. The brush holding part27includes a cylindrical member51, a hole part53, three opening parts55, three steel balls57, ball accommodation parts59, and a biasing part61. The steel ball57is equivalent to the protrusion part of the invention.

The outer diameter of an upper part51A of the cylindrical member51is smaller than the outer diameter of a lower part51B of the cylindrical member51. The hole part53is formed in a cylindrically columnar shape along the central axis (i.e., the vertical axis AX2) extending vertically. The lower end of the shaft29is linked to the upper end of the hole part53. Accordingly, the cylindrical member51is fixed to the shaft29.

The cylindrical member51is formed with three ball accommodation parts59. The three ball accommodation parts59are provided at equal intervals (intervals of 120°) about the vertical axis. The ball accommodation part59has an opening part55on a sidewall53A on the inner side of the hole part53. The three steel balls57accommodated in the three ball accommodation parts59are configured so that portions of the steel balls57protrude from the opening parts55

Although three ball accommodation parts59are provided in the configuration, there may also be four or more ball accommodation parts. In addition, although the steel ball57is formed by iron such as stainless steel, for example, other metals or resins may also be used. Although three steel balls57are provided, there may also be four or more steel balls57.

The three steel balls57accommodated in the three ball accommodation parts59are supported by the biasing part61. The biasing part61is provided to surround the outer periphery of the upper part51A of the cylindrical member51. The biasing part61includes a cylindrical case part63, a pressing part65, and a spring member (elastic member)67in a cylindrical shape. The spring member67may have a slit in the upper-lower direction, and a cross-sectional surface of the spring member67may be in a C shape. The inner wall of the upper end of the case part63is formed to achieve the outer wall of the upper part51A of the cylindrical member51. The lower end of the case part63is in contact with the upper surface of the lower part51B of the cylindrical member51. The case part63forms a space SP1in which the spring member67is provided.

The pressing part65is integrally formed by an abutting part65A and a limitation part65B. When viewed in a plan view, the abutting part65A is an annular-shaped member, and is tapered on the inner peripheral surface so that the cross-sectional area of a hollow part decreases from the lower side toward the upper side. In addition, the abutting part65A is provided between the spring member67and the cylindrical member51in an upper-lower direction Z. When viewed in a plan view, the limitation part65B is formed in an annular shape whose outer diameter is smaller than the abutting part65A and whose inner diameter is the same as the abutting part65A, and is formed to extend from the upper surface of the abutting part65A. The spring member67is formed by using metal, such as stainless steel. The spring member67is provided between the case part63and the limitation part65B in the horizontal direction. The inner peripheral surface of the abutting part65A and the spring member67press the three steel balls57toward the inner peripheral side (the side of the three opening parts55).

The brush25is detachable with respect to the brush holding part27. As shown inFIG.3B, the brush25includes a brush body69, a brush support part71, and a cylindrically columnar part73. As an example, a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sponge brush is used as the brush body69. The brush69is formed in a cylindrically columnar shape. The brush body69has a cleaning surface69A for cleaning the substrate W. The brush support part71supports the brush body69from a side opposite to the cleaning surface69A. The brush support part71is also formed in a cylindrically columnar shape. The cylindrically columnar part73extends from the brush support part71toward a side opposite to the cleaning surface69A. The cylindrically columnar part73is fixed to the brush support part71. On the outer peripheral surface73A of the cylindrically columnar part73, a recess75and a longitudinal recess77are formed. The longitudinal recess77is a recess longer than the recess75in the circumferential direction of the cylindrically columnar part73.

FIG.4Ais a lateral cross-sectional view illustrating the longitudinal recess77and the recess75provided in the cylindrically columnar part.FIG.4Bis a partial development view of the sidewall (outer peripheral surface)73A of the cylindrically columnar part73.FIG.4Cis a lateral cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which three steel balls57are accommodated in the recess75and the longitudinal recess77.

The length of the recess75in the upper-lower direction Z and the width of the recess75in the horizontal direction are formed to be substantially the same as the length (in the upper-lower direction Z) and the width (horizontal direction) of substantially hemispherical portions of the steel balls57partially protruding from the opening parts55. In addition, the length of the longitudinal recess77in the upper-lower direction Z is also formed to be substantially the same as the length (in the upper-lower direction Z) of the substantially hemispherical portions of the steel balls57partially protruding from the opening parts55.

As shown inFIG.4B, the longitudinal recess77is longitudinally recessed in the circumferential direction. As shown inFIGS.4A and4B, in the case where the cylindrically columnar part73of the brush25is inserted into the hole part53of the brush holding part27, the recess75accommodates a first steel ball57A among the three steel balls57. In addition, the longitudinal recess77accommodates the remaining two steel balls57B,57C at the two ends thereof. In the case where the cylindrically columnar part73is hollow (in a cylindrical shape), the recess77and the longitudinal recess77may also be penetrating hole parts.

By accommodating the three steel balls57in the recess75and the longitudinal recess77, the movements of the brush25with respect to the brush holding part27in the upper-lower direction and the circumferential direction are limited. The limitation of the movement in the circumferential direction is not only exerted by accommodating the first steel ball57A in the recess75, but is also exerted by accommodating the two steel balls57B,57C in the longitudinal recess77. InFIG.4A, in the case where the steel balls57B,57C rotate about the vertical axis AX2, the clockwise rotation of the second steel ball57B is limited by a first end77A of the longitudinal recess77, and the counterclockwise rotation of the third steel ball57C is limited by the second end77B.

At the time of inserting the cylindrically columnar part73of the brush25into the hole part53of the brush holding part27, with each steel ball57being pressed by the cylindrically columnar part73toward the outer peripheral side, the steel ball57does not protrude from the opening part55toward the side of the hole part53. Specifically, the pressing part65is supported in a state of being movable in the vertical direction by using the spring member67. When viewed in a plan view, the abutting part65A of the pressing part65has a taper shape on the inner peripheral surface. In the taper shape, the cross-sectional area of the hollow part decreases from the lower surface toward the upper surface when viewed in a plan view. Thus, when the inner peripheral surface is pushed outward by the steel balls57, the orientation (horizontal direction) of the pushing force is converted into an upward orientation in the vertical direction. Thus, with the pressing part65moving upward in the vertical direction, the steel balls57are accommodated on the inner side with respect to the sidewall53A of the cylindrical member51. Then, when the three opening parts55and the two recesses75,77face each other, through the restoring force of the pressing part65and the spring member67, the three steel balls57partially protrude from the three opening parts55. Specifically, the downward force (vertical direction) generated by the pressing part65is converted into a force (horizontal direction) from the inner peripheral surface toward the inner side by the taper-shaped inner peripheral surface. Accordingly, by partially protruding from the respective opening parts55, the three steel balls57biased by the inner peripheral surface in the taper shape are accommodated in the recess75and the longitudinal recess77, and the movement of the brush25is limited.

In addition, inFIG.3A, when the brush25is removed from the brush holding part27, the brush25is pulled downward. With a predetermined pulling force, the cylindrically columnar part73presses the three steel balls57outward. Accordingly, the three steel balls57do not protrude from the opening parts55toward the side of the hole part53. Thus, the brush25can be removed from the brush holding part27.

Here, the effect of the longitudinal recess77is described with reference toFIG.5. For example, it is assumed that the longitudinal recess77is not provided in the cylindrically columnar part73, and “three recesses75” corresponding to the three steel balls57are provided about a vertical axis AX4at intervals of 120°. In such case, when the brush25is installed to the brush holding part27, it is difficult to accommodate the three steel balls57in the three recesses75. At the time of inserting the cylindrically columnar part73of the brush25into the hole part53of the brush holding part27, if the three steel balls57are not accommodated in the three recesses75, the cylindrically columnar part73may fall off from the hole part53.

Comparatively, in the cylindrically columnar part73of the embodiment, the recess75and the longitudinal recess77are provided. As shown inFIG.5, at the time of inserting the cylindrically columnar part73of the brush25into the hole part53of the brush holding part27, at least one steel ball57is accommodated in the longitudinal recess77. Thus, the movement of the brush25in the upper-lower direction is limited. Thus, the cylindrically columnar part73can be prevented from falling off from the hole part53. Then, for example, through the rotation of the brush25about the vertical axis AX2, the brush25slides in the circumferential direction with respect to the brush holding part27. Accordingly, the three steel balls57are accommodated in the recess75and the longitudinal recess77, and the rotation of the brush25is limited. In addition, the brush25can be reliably held.

(3) Configuration of the Brush Replacement Part

Referring toFIG.2, the brush replacement part45is provided to replace a used brush25A (brush25) with an unused brush25B. The unused brush25B is configured to be the same as the brush25. For example, like the brush body69of the brush25, the brush body69of the unused brush25B is a PVA sponge brush. The standby pot43is provided on the outer side of the cup5provided on the periphery of the holding and rotating part3.

When viewed in a plan view, the brush replacement part45is provided on a side opposite to the standby pot43via the substrate W held by the holding and rotating part3and the cup5. In addition, the brush replacement part45is provided at a position on the outer side of the cup5and the substrate W held by the holding and rotating part3. The brush replacement part45includes the brush collection part79and the brush installation part81.

(3-1) Brush Collection Part

In the brush collection part79, the brush25is removed from the brush holding part27. The brush collection part79includes a removal member83and a brush collection container85. The removal member83is provided above the brush collection container85. When viewed in a plan view, the removal member83is provided on a path RT of the horizontal movement of the brush25by using the brush mechanism9.

FIG.6Ais a plan view illustrating the removal member83.FIG.6Bis a front view of the removal member83when viewed in a direction indicated by an arrow sign AR1ofFIG.6A. The removal member83is a member for limiting the position (action) of the brush25in the height direction by abutting against the upper surface of the brush25at the time of removing the brush25. As shown inFIG.6A, the removal member83has one foundation portion83A and two hook portions83B,83C separated from the foundation portion83A, and is formed in a U shape or a forked shape.

When the brush25is removed from the brush holding part27, the brush mechanism9firstly makes the brush holding part27pass through between the two hook portions83B,83C. Then, the brush mechanism9lifts the brush holding part27. As shown inFIG.6B, in this way, the brush25is prevented from moving upward by the two hook portions83B,83C, and the brush holding part27is separated from the brush25while being lifted. Thus, the brush25is removed from the brush holding part27. The removed brush25is not held by the removal member83(the hook portions83B,83C). Thus, the brush25is dropped from the removal position and collected in the brush collection container85.

FIG.7is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of the brush replacement part45. The brush collection container85collects the used brush25A at a position lower than a storage position (height) P11of the unused brush25B. That is, a bottom surface85A on the inner side of the brush collection container85is provided at a position lower than the storage position P11. Also, the brush collection container85is provided below the two hook portions83B,83C of the removal member83. The brush collection container85is detachable with respect to a base87of the substrate processing device1. Thus, the brush collection container85can be carried in a state in which the used brush25A is accommodated.

(3-2) Brush Installation Part

Referring toFIG.2, the brush installation part81installs the unused brush25B to the brush holding part27. The brush installation part81is provided in adjacency with the brush collection part79. The brush installation part81is provided at a position different from the brush collection part79.

Referring toFIG.7, the brush installation part81stores one or multiple (e.g.,3) unused brushes25B. The brush installation part81includes a brush accommodation container91and a liquid discharge container93. In addition, a liquid supply part89supplies a liquid to the brush accommodation container91.

The liquid supply part89includes a liquid nozzle95, a liquid pipe97, a liquid supply source98, and an opening/closing valve V2. The liquid nozzle95supplies pure water, such as deionized water (DIW), as the liquid, to the brush accommodation container91. The pure water from the liquid nozzle95may or may not be directly applied to the unused brush25B. The liquid supply source98supplies pure water to the liquid nozzle95through the liquid pipe97. The opening/closing valve V2is provided at the liquid pipe97. The opening/closing valve V2performs supply of the pure water and stops the supply.

The brush accommodation container91stores the pure water supplied from the liquid nozzle95of the liquid supply part89. The brush accommodation container91accommodates three unused brushes25B in storage while immersing the brush bodies69of the three unused brushes25B into pure water that is stored. The bottom of the brush accommodation container91is formed in a shallow tray shape, for example. At the time of storing the unused brushes25B, the brush accommodation container91is continuously supplied with pure water from the liquid nozzle95. Accordingly, the cleanliness of the pure water in which the unused brushes25B are immersed can be maintained. A sidewall W1facing the brush installation part81among the sidewalls of the brush collection container85and a sidewall W2facing the brush collection part79in the brush accommodation container91are equivalent to the separation part of the invention. According to the configuration, the brush collection part79and the brush installation part81can be separated. Thus, the particles due to the used brush25A can be reliably prevented from being attached to the unused brush25B handled by the brush installation part81.

The liquid discharge container93accommodates the brush accommodation container91. That is, the outer periphery of the side of the brush accommodation container91is surrounded by the inner wall of the liquid discharge container93. A discharge port93A is provided at the bottom of the liquid discharge container93. Thus, the liquid discharge container93receives the pure water overflown from the upper opening part of the brush accommodation container91while discharging pure water. A sidewall W3facing the brush collection part79of the liquid discharge container93is equivalent to the separation part of the invention. That is, at least one of the sidewalls W1, W2, W3is equivalent to the separation part of the invention.

As shown inFIG.2, when viewed in the plan view, the three unused brushes25B, for example, are provided on a movement path RT of the brush holding part27. In the brush accommodation container91, a guide, such as a recess, is provided, for example, so as to store each of the unused brushes25B at a position set in advance.

(4) Control Part of the Substrate Processing Device

The substrate processing device1includes a control part101and a storage part (not shown). The control part101controls the processing of the substrate W and brush replacement. The control part101includes one or more processors, such as a central processing unit (CPU). The storage part includes at least one of a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and a hard disk, for example. The storage part stores a computer program necessary for the control part101to control the respective components of the substrate processing device1.

(5) Operation of the Substrate Processing Device

In the following, the operation of the substrate processing device1is described. As shown inFIG.2, normally, the brush25held by the brush holding part27standbys in the standby pot43. Firstly, the normal brush cleaning of the back surface of the substrate W is described.

(5-1) Normal Brush Cleaning of the Back Surface of the Substrate W

A transport robot not shown herein transports the substrate W onto the spin chuck11of the holding and rotating part3. A device surface (front surface) in which an electronic circuit of the transported substrate W is formed faces downward, and a non-device surface (back surface) of the substrate W faces upward. The holding and rotating part3holds the substrate W that is transported, and rotates the substrate W about the vertical axis AX1. When the opening/closing valve V1is opened, the processing liquid is discharged from the processing liquid nozzle19to the back surface (i.e., the upper surface) of the substrate W. Then, the brush mechanism9rotates the brush25about the vertical axis AX2, while swinging the brush25about the vertical axis AX3and applying the brush25on the back surface of the substrate W on which the processing liquid is discharged, thereby cleaning the back surface of the substrate W.

After the cleaning of the back surface of the substrate W, the brush mechanism9returns the brush25to the standby pot43, and stops discharging the processing liquid by closing the opening/closing valve V1. After the discharge of the processing liquid is stopped, the holding and rotating part3dries the substrate W by rotating the substrate W at a high speed. Then, the holding and rotating part3stops the rotation of the substrate W and releases the holding of the substrate W. Then, the transport robot not shown herein transports the substrate W cleaned by the brush25from the spin chuck11.

(5-2) Brush Replacement

In the following, brush replacement is described. The brush mechanism9moves the brush holding part27holding the brush25from the standby pot43to the position P1(seeFIG.7) on the outer side of the cup5. Then, the lifting mechanism35of the brush mechanism9lowers the brush holding part27from the position P1to a position P2. Then, the revolving driving part37of the brush mechanism9revolves the brush holding part27about the vertical axis AX3from the position P2to a position P3. Accordingly, the brush holding part27is moved to between the two hook portions83B,83C of the removal member83of the brush collection part79.

Then, the lifting mechanism35lifts the brush holding part27from the position P3to a position P4. At this time, the upward movement of the brush25is limited by the two hook portions83B,83C. Thus, only the brush holding part27is lifted to the position P4, and the brush25is removed from the brush holding part27. The removed brush25is dropped from a position of removal performed by the removal member83to be collected as the used brush25A in the brush collection container85.

Then, the revolving driving part37revolves the brush holding part27about the vertical axis AX3from the position P4to a position P5. The position P5is a position above one of the three unused brushes25B stored in the brush accommodation container91. After the brush holding part27is moved to the position P5, the lifting mechanism35lowers the brush holding part27. Accordingly, the cylindrically columnar part73of the unused brush25B is inserted into the hole part53of the brush holding part27. In addition, by accommodating the three steel balls57in the recess75and the longitudinal recess75provided in the cylindrically columnar part73, the unused brush25B is fixed in the upper-lower direction and the rotation direction (the rotation direction about the vertical axis AX2) with respect to the brush holding part27.

Then, the lifting mechanism35lifts the brush holding part27holding the unused brush25B to a position P6. Then, the brush mechanism9moves the unused brush25B from the position P6to the standby pot43, for example. The unused brush25B performs brush cleaning on the back surface of the substrate W after a process of removing initial contamination to improve cleanliness.

According to the embodiment, since the brush collection part79and the brush installation part81are separated, the used brush25A and the unused brush25B are not handled in the same region. Accordingly, the unused brush25B can be separated from the used brush25A that is removed. Thus, the brush25can be replaced automatically while preventing particles from being attached to the unused brush25B.

In addition, the brush installation part81includes the brush accommodation container91accommodating the unused brushes25B in storage.

By including the brush accommodation container91in the brush installation part81, the brush installation part81and the brush collection part79can be separated. Thus, the particles due to the used brush25A can be reliably prevented from being attached to the unused brush25B handled by the brush installation part81.

In addition, the brush installation part81includes the liquid supply part89supplying pure water to the unused brushes25B in storage.

When the unused brushes25B in storage are dried, for example, there is a possibility that particles enter fine gaps of the unused brushes25B. When particles enter such gaps, it is difficult to remove the particles. Thus, after the unused brush25B is installed to the brush holding part27, it may take a long time until brush cleaning is performed on the substrate W that will become a product. Thus, the operating rate of the substrate processing device1may decrease and the productivity may deteriorate. However, according to the embodiment, the liquid supply part89supplies pure water to the unused brushes25B in storage. Thus, the unused brushes25B in storage can be prevented from being dried. Thus, particles can be prevented from entering fine gaps of the unused brushes25B in storage.

In addition, the brush collection part79includes the brush collection container85collecting the used brush25A that is removed.

By including the brush collection container85in the brush collection part79, the brush installation part81and the brush collection part79can be separated. Thus, the particles due to the used brush25A can be reliably prevented from being attached to the unused brush25B handled by the brush installation part81.

In addition, the brush collection part79includes the removal member83for removing the brush25.

By using the removal member83, the brush25can be removed from the brush holding part27and collected as the used brush25A in the brush collection container85.

In addition, the brush installation part81is provided in adjacency with the brush collection part79.

After the used brush25A is removed by the brush collection part79, the unused brush25B can be quickly installed. In addition, even in the state in which the brush installation part81is adjacent to the brush collection part79, the unused brush25B can be separated from the used brush25A that is removed.

In addition, between the brush collection part79and the brush installation part81, the sidewall W1of the brush collection container85, the sidewall W2of the brush accommodation container91, or the sidewall W3of the liquid discharge container93that separates the brush collection part79and the brush installation part81is provided. According to the configuration, the brush collection part79and the brush installation part81can be separated. Thus, the particles due to the used brush25A can be reliably prevented from being attached to the unused brush25B handled by the brush installation part81.

In addition, the longitudinal recess77is recessed longitudinally along the circumferential direction, and can accommodate two of the three steel balls57. Thus, for example, when the cylindrically columnar part73of the brush25is inserted into the hole part53of the brush holding part27, one of the three steel balls57is accommodated in the longitudinal recess77. Thus, the movement of the brush25with respect to the brush holding part27in the upper-lower direction can be limited. Thus, the brush25can be prevented from falling off from the brush holding part27.

Then, Embodiment 2 of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The description repeating that of Embodiment 1 will be omitted. In Embodiment 1, the position of the unused brush25B that is stored is constant. That is, the position of the brush accommodation container91accommodating the unused brushes25B is fixed. Regarding this point, it may also be configured that the brush accommodation container91is moved in X direction ofFIG.2.

FIG.8Ais a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating the brush replacement part45according to Embodiment 2.FIG.8Bis a plan view of the brush replacement part45. The brush installation part81further includes a horizontal movement part11horizontally moving the brush accommodation container91in X direction. The horizontal movement part111, for example, is installed to the inner wall of the liquid discharge container93.

The horizontal movement part111includes a slider113, a guide rail115, a screw shaft117, and an electric motor119. The slider113, for example, is fixed to the lower surface of the brush accommodation container91. Each of the guide rail115and the screw shaft117is provided to extend in X direction. The guide rail115penetrates through the slider113. The screw shaft117is meshed with an internal thread113A of the slider113. An output shaft119A of the electric motor119is linked with an end of the screw shaft117. When the electric motor119rotates the screw shaft117in a forward direction, the slider113and the brush accommodation container91advance in +X direction. When the electric motor119rotates the screw shaft117in a backward direction, the slider113and the brush accommodation container91retreat in −X direction.

InFIG.8B, in the case where brush replacement is performed by using the unused brush25B indicated by a symbol121, for example, the horizontal movement part111moves the brush accommodation container91in X direction to move the unused brush25B indicated by the symbol121to a position overlapped with the movement path RT when viewed in a plan view. In addition, the brush mechanism9moves the brush holding part27in which the brush25is removed to the top of the unused brush25B indicated by the symbol121. Then, the brush mechanism9installs the unused brush25B to the brush holding part27by lowering the brush holding part27.

According to the embodiment, the brush installation part81further includes the horizontal movement part11horizontally moving the brush accommodation container91. Any unused brush25B can be transported on the movement path RT when viewed in a plan view. Thus, several unused brushes25B can be accommodated and stored in the brush accommodation container91.

In the embodiment, the horizontal movement part111moves the brush accommodation container91horizontally without horizontally moving the liquid discharge container93. Regarding this point, it may also be that the horizontal movement part111integrally moves the brush accommodation container91and the liquid discharge container93horizontally.

Then, Embodiment 3 of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The description repeating that of Embodiments 1 and 2 will be omitted. In Embodiments 1 and 2, brush replacement is performed by vertically moving the brush holding part27with respect to the brush25(the unused brush25B). Regarding this point, brush replacement may also be performed by laterally moving a brush holding part127with respect to a brush125(an unused brush125B).

(6) Configuration for Installing/Uninstalling the Brush

FIG.9Ais a side view illustrating the brush125and the brush holding part127.FIG.9Bis a perspective view of the brush holding part127.FIGS.10A and10Bare lateral cross-sectional views of the brush125and the brush holding part127when viewed as indicated by an arrow sign B ofFIG.9A. In addition,FIG.10Ais a view illustrating an operation when a button141is not pressed.FIG.10Bis a view illustrating an operation when the button141is pressed.

Referring toFIGS.9A and10A, the brush125is detachable with respect to the brush holding part127. The brush125includes the brush body69, a brush support part129, a guide131, two opening parts133, two steel balls57, a space SP2, a ball accommodation part135, an elastic member137, a cam139, and the button141.

The brush support part129supports the brush body69from a side opposite to the cleaning surface69A. The guide131is provided on a surface (upper surface) of the brush support part129on a side opposite to the cleaning surface69A. The guide131is a member protruding upward from the upper surface of the brush support part129. The guide131is formed in an elongated shape in a horizontal direction HD1set in advance.

Referring toFIG.10A, the guide131includes the space SP2therein. The ball accommodation parts135are formed on two side surfaces parallel to the horizontal direction HD1on the guide131. On side surfaces on outer sides of the guide131, the opening parts133are formed at portions facing the ball accommodation parts135. Two steel balls57are accommodated in the two ball accommodation parts135. The two steel balls57accommodated in the two ball accommodation parts135are supported by the elastic member137via the cam139. Accordingly, the two steel balls57respectively partially protrude outward from the two opening parts133.

The button141is provided on the outer peripheral surface (outer side wall) of the brush support part129. That is, the button141is provided to protrude from the space SP2toward the outer peripheral surface of the brush support part129. The button141is also supported by the elastic member137via the cam139. The elastic member137is supported by an inner wall143on the inner side of the space SP2. The elastic member137is, for example, a spring.

The cam139is provided to be sandwiched by the button141and the elastic member137in the space SP2. The cam139and the button141are movable along the horizontal direction HD1in which the guide131extends. The cam139includes two inclined surfaces139A. When viewed in a plan view, the two inclined surfaces139A are formed on side surfaces of two sides orthogonal to the movement direction of the cam139. When viewed in a plan view, the two inclined surfaces139A are formed so that the cam139becomes thicker on the side of the elastic member137. The two inclined surfaces139A contact the two steel balls57.

Referring toFIG.9B, the brush holding part127includes a guide holding part145and two recesses147. The guide holding part145holds the guide131to be movable in the horizontal direction HD1in which the guide131extends. On the lower surface of the guide holding part145, a groove part149extending linearly in the horizontal direction is provided. On two sidewalls149A of the groove part149, two recesses147are respectively provided. That is, the two recesses147are provided at the guide holding part145to accommodate the two steel balls57. The two recesses147are provided to face each other. The length of the recess147in the upper-lower direction Z and the width of the recess147in the horizontal direction are formed similarly with those of the recess75.

The groove part149is formed like a dovetail groove, for example. Thus, a width WD1of the lower end of the groove part149is shorter than a width WD2of the upper end of the groove part149(width WD1<width WD2). The guide131of the brush support part129is formed to fit the shape of the groove part149. Thus, the guide131can enter from the two ends of the groove part149in the longitudinal direction.

When the guide131is accommodated in the groove part149, the movement of the brush125(the guide131) with respect to the brush holding part127(the groove part149) in the upper-lower direction and the rotation direction is limited. However, the guide131can move along the longitudinal direction of the groove part149. Thus, with the two steel balls57being accommodated in the two recesses147of the groove part149, the horizontal movement of the guide131with respect to the groove part149is limited.

Then, the operation of the brush125is described. Referring toFIG.10B, in the case where the button141is pressed, the cam139is moved toward the side of the elastic member137. Thus, the button141elastically deforms the elastic member137via the cam139. In addition, together with the movement of the cam139, the two inclined surfaces139A are also moved toward the side of the elastic member137. Thus, the force pressing the two steel balls57outward from the two opening parts133is released. Thus, the two steel balls57can retreat inward (the side of the space SP2) from the opening parts133. Accordingly, the brush125is movable with respect to the brush holding part127in the horizontal direction HD1.

Referring toFIG.10A, in the case where the button141is not pressed, the cam139is moved toward the side of the button141through the restoring force of the elastic member137. Together with the movement of the cam139, the two inclined surfaces139A are also moved toward the side of the button141. Thus, the two inclined surfaces139A press the two steel balls57outward from the two opening parts133. That is, the restoring force of the elastic member137makes the two steel balls57partially protrude outward from the two opening parts133. Accordingly, the two steel balls57are accommodated in the two recesses147, and the movement of the brush125in the horizontal direction HD1can be limited. In the configuration, the elastic member137and the cam139are equivalent to the protrusion width adjustment mechanism of the invention adjusting the protrusion width (protrusion amount) of the protrusion part according to the pressing amount of the button part.

(7) Configuration of the Brush Replacement Part

FIG.11is a plan view of the brush replacement part45according to Embodiment 3.FIG.12is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of the brush replacement part45according to Embodiment 3.

Referring toFIGS.11and12, firstly, the common grounds with Embodiment 1 are briefly described. The brush replacement part45includes the brush collection part79and the brush installation part81. In addition, the brush collection part79includes the brush collection container85. The brush installation part81stores one or multiple (e.g.,3) unused brushes125B. The unused brush125B is configured to be the same as the brush125. The brush installation part81includes the liquid supply part89, the brush accommodation container91and the liquid discharge container93.

Then, the difference from Embodiment 1 is described. The brush installation part81includes a brush movement mechanism151. The brush movement mechanism151includes a brush placement part153, a pusher155, a lifting part157, and a horizontal movement part (linear actuator)159.

The brush placement part153is configured to extend in a horizontal direction HD2set in advance. In the brush placement part153, three unused brushes125B are placed in a row along the horizontal direction HD2. Two sidewalls153A of the brush placement part153extending in the horizontal direction HD2guide the three unused brushes125B along the horizontal direction HD2. Each of the unused brushes125B is provided so that the longitudinal direction of the guide131is parallel to the horizontal direction HD2.

In a plan view, when the tip end of the brush placement part153is located on the movement path RT of the brush125, the brush placement part153is provided so that the horizontal direction D2extends in a tangent direction.

The pusher155includes a pushing member155A and a horizontal movement part (linear actuator)155B. The horizontal movement part155B includes a rod RD and further includes an electric motor or an air cylinder. The pushing member155A is provided at the tip end of the rod RD. The horizontal movement part155B moves the pushing member155A forward and backward along the horizontal direction HD2. Accordingly, by pushing the three unused brushes125B, the pusher155moves the first unused brush125B to a replacement position P21.

The lifting part157lifts and lowers the brush placement part153and the pusher155. The arm161connects the brush placement part153and the lifting part157. Accordingly, the lifting part157can immerse the three unused brushes125B placed in the brush placement part153into pure water stored in the brush accommodation container91or can draw the unused brushes125B from the pure water. The pusher155is provided on the arm161.

The horizontal movement part159moves the brush placement part153, the pusher155, and the lifting part157forward and backward along the horizontal direction HD2. The horizontal movement part159locates the tip end of the brush placement part153at a boundary position P23between the brush collection part79and the brush installation part81. Each of the lifting part157and the horizontal movement part159includes an electric motor or an air cylinder.

(8) Brush Replacement

In the following, brush replacement is described. Referring toFIG.13A, the three unused brushes125B placed on the brush placement part153are immersed into the pure water stored in the brush accommodation container91. The liquid nozzle95(seeFIG.12) keeps discharging pure water into the brush accommodation container91.

Referring toFIG.13B, by lifting the brush placement part153, the lifting part157(seeFIG.12) of the brush movement mechanism151draws the three unused brushes125B from the pure water. Then, the horizontal movement part159of the brush movement mechanism151moves the brush placement part153forward to locate the tip end of the brush placement part153at the boundary position P23.

Meanwhile, the brush mechanism9moves the brush125held by the brush holding part127to be adjacent to the first unused brush125B from the standby pot43(seeFIG.2) At this time, the brush125is located so that the guide131of the first unused brush125B is located on the extension line of the guide131of the brush125.

Then, the brush mechanism9presses the button141of the brush125against the outer peripheral surface of the first unused brush125B In this way, the button141of the brush125is pressed, and the two steel balls57(seeFIG.10B) of the brush125retreat toward the inner sides of the two opening parts133. Thus, the brush125is movable along the groove part149of the brush holding part127. Then, the brush mechanism9moves horizontally the brush holding part127along the guide131of each of the first unused brush part125B and the brush125.

Referring toFIG.13C, when the brush125is removed from the groove part149of the brush holding part127, the brush125is dropped and collected, as the used brush,125in the brush collection container85. When the brush holding part127moves along the guide131of the first unused brush125B, the button141of the first unused brush125B contacts the outer peripheral surface of the unused brush125B adjacent to the first unused brush125B. However, the button141of the first unused brush125B is not pressed. Thus, by accommodating the two steel balls57of the first unused brush125B in the two recesses147of the brush holding part147, the movement of the first unused brush125B in the horizontal direction HD2is limited. That is, the first unused brush125B is installed to the brush holding part127. Then, the unused brush125B installed to the brush holding part127performs a process of removing initial contamination and then performs a process of cleaning the back surface of the substrate W.

After the first unused brush125B is installed to the brush holding part127, the unused brush125B indicated by an arrow sign AR2is moved to the replacement position P21by the pusher155. In the case where brush replacement is not carried out, the brush movement mechanism151immerses the unused brushes125B placed in the brush placement part153into the pure water stored in the brush accommodation container91.

According to the embodiment, the brush125includes the guide131extending in the horizontal direction HD1set in advance. The brush holding part127includes the guide holding part145holding the guide131to be movable in the horizontal direction HD1. Thus, the movement of the brush125in the upper-lower direction and the rotation direction with respect to the brush holding part127can be limited. In addition, by accommodating the two steel balls57in the two recesses147, the movement in the horizontal direction HD1can also be limited. Thus, the brush125can be prevented from falling off from the brush holding part127.

In the embodiment, the three unused brushes125B are provided linearly into a row along the horizontal direction HD2. Regarding this point, the three unused brushes125B may also be provided in an arc shape along the movement path RT that is in an arc shape when viewed in a plan view. In such case, the guide131and the groove part149may also be formed to extend in an arc shape along the arc-shaped movement path RT when viewed in a plane view.

In addition, in the embodiment, as shown inFIG.13B, when the brush125is to be removed from the brush holding part127, the button141of the brush125is pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the first unused brush125B. Regarding this point, as shown inFIG.14, in order to prevent the first unused brush125B from contacting the used brush125A (brush125) having been used, the brush collection part79may also include a removal member163located above the brush collection container85and provided for removing the brush125.

In the case of such modified example, the brush mechanism9as shown inFIG.14presses the button141of the brush125against the removal member163to release the limitation (locking) and causes the brush125to slide. Accordingly, the brush125is removed from the brush holding part127. Then, the brush mechanism9moves the brush holding part127to the first unused brush125B and installs the first unused brush125B to the brush holding part127. In the case of the modified embodiment, it may also be that the horizontal movement part159of the brush movement mechanism151is omitted.

In addition, in the embodiment, it may also be that the brush accommodation container91is omitted, and mist-like pure water is directly sprayed from the liquid nozzle95onto the three unused brushes125B. In addition, in the embodiment, the respective numbers of the steel balls57and the recesses147are not limited to two. For example, the respective numbers of the steel balls57and the recesses147may also be one. In addition, for example, it may also be that one steel ball57and one recess147are provided on the upper surface of the guide131and the bottom surface (the surface of the width WD2) of the groove part149facing the aforementioned upper surface.

The invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and modifications as follows can be made.

(1) In Embodiment 1, the brush holding part27includes three steel balls57, the biasing part61, etc., and the brush25includes the cylindrically columnar part73. Regarding this point, as shown inFIG.15, it may also be that the brush holding part27includes the cylindrically columnar part73having the recess75and the longitudinal recess77. In addition, the brush25may also include three steel balls57and the biasing part61.

Detailed description is as follows. The brush25includes: the brush body69, having the cleaning surface69A for cleaning the substrate W; the brush support part71, supporting the brush body69from a side opposite to the cleaning surface69A; the hole part53, formed in a cylindrically columnar shape along a central axis (the vertical axis AX4) extending vertically; the three opening parts55, provided on the sidewall53A on the inner side of the hole part53and provided about the central axis; and three steel balls57, respectively protruding from the three opening parts55toward the hole part53. The three steel balls57are supported by the biasing part61.

The brush holding part27includes: the cylindrically columnar part73that is protruding; and the recess75and the longitudinal recess77provided on the sidewall73A of the cylindrically columnar wall73and about the vertical axis AX2of the cylindrically columnar part73. The longitudinal recess77is recessed longitudinally in the circumferential direction. In the case where the cylindrically columnar part73is inserted into the hole part53of the brush25, the recess75accommodates one of the three steel balls57, and the longitudinal recess77accommodates the remaining two steel balls57at the two ends thereof.

In addition, as shown inFIG.16, a cylindrically columnar part165of the brush25may also include three steel balls57and the biasing part61. In addition, it may also be that the hole part53of the brush holding part27includes the recess75and the longitudinal recess77. The recess75accommodates one of the three steel balls75. In addition, the longitudinal recess77accommodates the remaining two steel balls57at the two ends thereof.

The brush25may also include the hole part53(having the recess75and the longitudinal recess77) as shown inFIG.16. Comparatively, the brush holding part27may also include the cylindrically columnar part165(having the three steel balls57and the biasing part61, etc.) as shown inFIG.16.

(2) In the respective embodiments and Modified Example (1), the brush collection part79and the brush installation part81are provided laterally. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, as shown inFIG.17, the brush installation part81may also be provided above the brush collection part79. Also, when viewed in a plan view, the brush installation part81may also repeat a portion or the entirety of the brush collection part79. In the embodiment, the respective bottom surfaces (bottom walls) and sidewalls of the brush accommodation container91and the liquid discharge container93of the brush installation part81are equivalent to the separation part of the invention.

(3) In the respective embodiments and the respective modified examples, the brush mechanism9revolves the brush25(125) and the brush holding part27(127) to revolve about the vertical axis AX3. Regarding this point, as shown inFIG.18, the brush mechanism9may also include a horizontal movement part (linear actuator)179linearly moving the brush25(125) and the brush holding part27(127). The horizontal movement part179includes an electric motor. In addition, the brush mechanism9may also include two horizontal movement parts179to move the brush25etc., in XY directions. The horizontal movement part179is equivalent to the brush movement mechanism of the invention.

(4) In Embodiment 1 and the respective modified examples, the brush accommodation container91are provided to be more distant with respect to the holding and rotating part3and the cup5than the removal member83. Regarding this point, it may also be that the brush accommodation container91is provided to be closer with respect to the holding and rotating part3and the cup5than the removal member83. That is, it may also be that the holding and rotating part3, the brush accommodation container91, and the removal member83(brush collection container85) are provided in order.

(5) In the respective embodiments and the respective modified examples, the brush replacement part45is provided on a side opposite to the standby pot43via the holding and rotating part3. Regarding this point, the brush replacement part45may also be provided on the side of the standby pot43. For example, the standby pot43may also be provided between the brush replacement part45and the holding and rotating part3.

(6) In the respective embodiments and the respective modified examples, each steel ball57as a protrusion part is a spherical body. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the steel ball57may be in a shape of a semi-spherical body, a circularly columnar body, or a polygonal body.

(7) In the respective embodiments and the respective modified examples, the brush body69is formed by a PVA sponge brush. However, the invention is not limited thereto. The brush body69may also be formed by a resin body of PVA, for example, in which abrasive grains of silicon carbide (SiC), cerium oxide (CeO2), silica (SiO2), or diamond are dispersed.

(8) In the respective embodiments and the respective modified examples, the brush installation part81includes the liquid supply part89so that the brush body69is not dried. In the case where liquid (e.g., pure water) supply is not required, the liquid supply part89may also be omitted from the brush installation part81.

(9) In the respective embodiments and the respective modified examples, for example, the separation part of the invention is a portion of the brush collection container85. However, the separation part is not limited to be a portion of the container. For example, a separation wall (e.g., having a plate shape) may also be provided as the separation part between the brush collection part79and the brush installation part81. In addition, it may also be configured that the separation wall and the upper end of at least one of the separation walls W1, W2, W3is higher than the removal member83.

(10) In the respective embodiments and the respective modified examples, the brush installation part81includes the brush accommodation container91and the liquid discharge container93. However, where necessary, it may also be that the liquid discharge container93is omitted from the brush installation part81. In this case, for example, it may also be that the brush accommodation container91includes the discharge port93A that discharges pure water.