Coating device including substrate carrying, application and removal units

Provided is a coating device including: a substrate carrying unit which rotatably holds a substrate while the substrate is upright and is able to dispose the held substrate at a first position and a second position; an application unit which includes a liquid material nozzle ejecting a liquid material to each of first and second surfaces of the substrate disposed at the first position; and a removal unit which includes an accommodation mechanism accommodating a part of the peripheral edge portion of the substrate disposed at the second position and a cleaning liquid ejection mechanism ejecting a cleaning liquid to the peripheral edge portion and removes the liquid material of the peripheral edge portion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a coating device.

Priority is claimed on Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-123193, filed May 28, 2010, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

2. Description of Related Art

In a substrate processing system that forms a thin coating film such as a resist film on, for example, various substrates such as a semiconductor substrate, a glass substrate constituting a liquid panel, and a substrate constituting a hard disk, a coating device forming a coating film on the substrate while rotating the substrate has been used. Such a coating device generally adopts a configuration in which the substrate is laid down in parallel to the horizontal plane and the substrate rotates while the lower surface thereof is held.

On the other hand, in a substrate constituting a hard disk which needs to coat a liquid material on both surfaces of the substrate, the lower surface of the substrate may not be held. For this reason, as disclosed in JP-A-H04-283420, a configuration has been proposed in which the substrate is rotated while being held by a holding piece.

When the liquid material is applied to both surfaces of the substrate while the substrate is laid down, there is a concern that the application environment between the first and second surfaces of the substrate is different and the thin coating films formed thereon are different. Therefore, recently, there has been proposed a configuration in which the liquid material is applied to both surfaces of the substrate while the substrate is upright.

When the liquid material is applied to both surfaces of the substrate while the substrate is upright, for example, a method may be considered in which a substrate is accommodated in a vertical cup and a liquid material is ejected from a nozzle to the substrate while the substrate rotates. In this case, there is a concern that droplets of a liquid material are attached to the inside of the cup and are attached to the substrate. For this reason, in order to remove the droplets of the liquid material, the air inside the cup is appropriately ventilated.

Further, there is a case in which the liquid material is applied to the substrate and the liquid material is removed from a part of the peripheral edge portion of the substrate in the cup by the peripheral edge portion removal process. As an example of the peripheral edge portion removal process, a method may be considered which ejects a cleaning liquid from a nozzle to a part of the peripheral edge portion of the substrate while the substrate rotates. Even when this method is performed, there is a concern that the droplets of the removed liquid material or the removed cleaning liquid are attached to the inside of the cup or the substrate, the air inside the cup is appropriately ventilated.[Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. H4-283420

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

However, in an application process and a peripheral edge portion removal process, for example, the optimal environment for the process such as the ventilation amount inside the cup is different. For this reason, when the application process and the peripheral edge portion removal process are performed at the same position, the environment inside the cup needs to be adjusted every time. Since it is not possible to perform the process with respect to the substrate while the environment is adjusted, the throughput is degraded.

The invention is made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a coating device capable of preventing a degradation of the throughput.

In order to attain the above-described object, according to an aspect of the invention, a coating device is provided including: a substrate carrying unit which rotatably holds a substrate while the substrate is upright and is able to dispose the held substrate at a first position and a second position; an application unit which includes a liquid material nozzle ejecting a liquid material to each of first and second surfaces of the substrate disposed at the first position; and a removal unit which includes an accommodation mechanism accommodating part of the peripheral edge portion of the substrate disposed at the second position and a cleaning liquid ejection mechanism ejecting a cleaning liquid to the peripheral edge portion and removes the liquid material of the peripheral edge portion.

According to the aspect of the invention, since the application unit is provided at the first position where the substrate is carried by the substrate carrying unit and the removal unit is provided at the second position, it is possible to independently set the process environments of the application unit and the removal unit. For this reason, it is not necessary to adjust the environment around the substrate for each process and to prevent a degradation of the throughput.

In the coating device, the removal unit may include a suction mechanism.

According to the aspect of the invention, since the removal unit includes the suction mechanism, it is possible to prevent scatter of the cleaning liquid or the removed liquid material. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a change of the environment around the substrate in the removal unit.

In the coating device, the suction mechanism may include a suction port which is provided at the lower end portion of the substrate.

According to the aspect of the invention, since the suction mechanism includes the suction port which is provided at the lower end portion of the substrate, it is possible to prevent the rising of the cleaning liquid or the removed liquid material.

In the coating device, the cleaning liquid ejection mechanism may include a cleaning liquid nozzle which ejects the cleaning liquid.

According to the aspect of the invention, since the cleaning liquid ejection mechanism includes the cleaning liquid nozzle which ejects the cleaning liquid, it is possible to efficiently remove the liquid material attached to part of the peripheral edge portion of the substrate.

In the coating device, the cleaning liquid nozzle may be configured to eject the cleaning liquid from the center of the substrate toward the outer peripheral portion of the substrate.

According to the aspect of the invention, since the cleaning liquid nozzle is configured to eject the cleaning liquid from the center of the substrate toward the outer peripheral portion of the substrate, the ejection direction of the cleaning liquid nozzle is aligned with the direction of the centrifugal force acting on the substrate. Accordingly, since it is possible to remove the cleaning liquid from the outer peripheral side of the substrate, it is possible to prevent the cleaning liquid or the removed liquid material from being attached to the center of the substrate.

In the coating device, the cleaning liquid nozzle may be formed so as to be bent from the center toward the outer peripheral portion.

According to the aspect of the invention, since the cleaning liquid nozzle is formed so as to be bent from the center toward the outer peripheral portion, it is possible to adjust the ejection direction of the cleaning liquid with a simple configuration without separately providing an adjustment mechanism or the like adjusting the ejection direction of the cleaning liquid.

In the coating device, the accommodation mechanism may include an end portion accommodation portion which accommodates the lower end portion of the substrate and a downstream accommodation portion which accommodates the downstream of the substrate in the rotation direction of the substrate rather than the lower end portion of the substrate.

According to the aspect of the invention, it is possible to prevent scatter of the cleaning liquid or the removed liquid material at the lower end portion of the substrate and the downstream of the substrate in the rotation direction of the substrate rather than the lower end portion of the substrate.

In the coating device, the accommodation mechanism may include an upstream accommodation portion which accommodates the upstream of the substrate in the rotation direction of the substrate rather than the lower end portion of the substrate.

According to the aspect of the invention, it is possible to prevent scatter of the cleaning liquid or the removed liquid material at the upstream of the substrate in the rotation direction of the substrate rather than the lower end portion of the substrate.

In the coating device, the end portion accommodation portion may include a nozzle insertion portion.

According to the aspect of the invention, since the end portion accommodation portion includes a nozzle insertion portion, for example, the cleaning liquid nozzle or the like may be moved closer to the substrate. Accordingly, the process precision may be improved.

In the coating device, the removal unit may include a driving mechanism which elevates the accommodation mechanism.

According to the aspect of the invention, since it is possible to elevate the accommodation mechanism in accordance with the process state of the substrate, it is possible to smoothly perform a series of operations in which the substrate is carried to the removal unit, the process using the removal unit is performed, and the substrate is carried from the removal unit to the other units.

In the coating device, the application unit may include a cup mechanism which accommodates the substrate disposed at the first position.

According to the aspect of the invention, since the operation of ejecting the cleaning liquid to the substrate is performed at the outside of the cup mechanism, the inside of the cup mechanism may be kept to be clean.

According to the aspect of the invention, it is possible to provide the coating device capable of preventing a degradation of the throughput.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the invention will be described by referring to the drawings.

FIG. 1is a plan view illustrating a schematic configuration of a substrate processing system SYS according to the embodiment.FIG. 2is a front view illustrating a schematic configuration of the substrate processing system SYS.FIG. 3is a side view illustrating the schematic configuration of the substrate processing system SYS.

In the embodiment, the directions of the drawings are simply marked by using the XYZ coordinate system for the description of the configuration of the substrate processing system SYS. In the XYZ coordinate system, the left/right direction of the drawings is marked as the X direction and the direction perpendicular to the X direction in the plan view is marked as the Y direction. The direction perpendicular to the plane including the axes of the X direction and the Y direction is marked as the Z direction. In each of the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction, the direction indicated by the arrow is described as the + direction and the direction opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow is described as the − direction.

As shown inFIGS. 1 to 3, the substrate processing system SYS is, for example, a system that is used by being included in a production line of a factory or the like to form a thin coating film on a predetermined area of the substrate S. The substrate processing system SYS includes a stage unit STU, a substrate processing unit (coating device) SPU, a substrate loading unit LDU, a substrate unloading unit ULU, a carrying unit CRU, and a control unit CNU.

In the substrate processing system SYS, the stage unit STU is supported on a surface of a floor through, for example, a leg portion, and the substrate processing unit SPU, the substrate loading unit LDU, the substrate unloading unit ULU, and the carrying unit CRU are disposed on the upper surface of the stage unit STU. The interior of each of the substrate processing unit SPU, the substrate loading unit LDU, the substrate unloading unit ULU, and the carrying unit CRU is covered by a cover member. In the substrate processing system SYS, the substrate processing unit SPU, the substrate loading unit LDU, and the substrate unloading unit ULU are arranged in a straight line along the X direction. The substrate processing unit SPU is provided between the substrate loading unit LDU and the substrate unloading unit ULU.

In the plan view, the center of the portion where the substrate processing unit SPU is disposed on the stage unit STU is recessed in the −Z direction compared to the other units.

As a substrate S to be processed in the substrate processing system SYS of the embodiment, for example, a semiconductor substrate such as silicone, a glass substrate constituting a liquid crystal panel, a substrate constituting a hard disk, and the like may be mentioned. In the embodiment, for example, a substrate S will be described, where the substrate S forms a hard disk, having a diamond coating on a surface of a disc-shaped base formed of glass, and having an opening portion formed at the center thereof in the plan view.

In the substrate processing system SYS of the embodiment, the substrate S is loaded or unloaded by a cassette C capable of accommodating multiple substrates S. The cassette C is a square container, and is capable of accommodating the multiple substrates S in a straight line so that the substrate surfaces of the substrates S face each other. Accordingly, the cassette C is configured to accommodate the substrate S while the substrate S stands upright in the Z direction. The cassette C has an opening portion formed at the bottom portion thereof. Each substrate S is accommodated while being exposed to the bottom portion of the cassette C through the opening portion. The cassette C is formed in a rectangular shape in the plan view, and for example, as shown inFIG. 2, the cassette C has an engagement portion Cx formed at each +Z side thereof. In the embodiment, as the cassette C, two types of cassettes are used, where one type is a loading cassette C1which is used to load the substrate S and an unloading cassette C2which is used to unload the substrate S. The loading cassette C1accommodates only the unprocessed substrate S, and the unloading cassette C2accommodates only the processed substrate S. The loading cassette C1is used between the substrate processing unit SPU and the substrate loading unit LDU. The unloading cassette C2is used between the substrate processing unit SPU and the substrate unloading unit ULU. Accordingly, the loading cassette C1and the unloading cassette C2are not used together for the same purpose.

The loading cassette C1and the unloading cassette C2are formed to have, for example, the same shape and the same dimensions.

The substrate loading unit LDU is disposed at the −X side in the substrate processing system SYS.

The substrate loading unit LDU is a unit to which the loading cassette C1accommodating the unprocessed substrate S is supplied and in which the empty loading cassette C1is collected. The substrate loading unit LDU is formed to be elongated in the Y direction, and loading cassettes C1are disposed along the Y direction in a standby state.

The substrate loading unit LDU includes a cassette entrance10and a cassette moving mechanism (a second moving mechanism)11. The cassette entrance10is an opening portion which is provided at the −Y side of a cover member covering the substrate loading unit LDU. The cassette entrance10is an entrance (a supply opening) of the loading cassette C1accommodating the unprocessed substrate S and an exit (a collection opening) of the empty loading cassette C1.

The cassette moving mechanism11includes, for example, a driving mechanism such as a belt conveyor mechanism. In the embodiment, as the driving mechanism, a conveyor belt (a supply belt11aand a collecting belt11b) is provided. The conveyor belt extends from the +Y-side end portion of the substrate loading unit LDU to the −Y-side end portion thereof in the Y direction, and two conveyor belts are disposed in parallel in the X direction.

The supply belt11ais a conveyor belt which is disposed at the −X side among the two conveyor belts. The +Z side of the supply belt11ais used as a carrying surface. The supply belt11ais configured to rotate so that the carrying surface moves in the +Y direction. Loading cassettes C1entering the substrate loading unit LDU through the cassette entrance10are placed on the carrying surface of the supply belt11a. The loading cassette C1is configured to move toward the carrying unit CRU through the rotation of the supply belt11a.

The collecting belt11bis a conveyor belt which is disposed at the +X side among the two conveyor belts. The +Z side of the collecting belt11bis used as a carrying surface. The collecting belt11bis configured to rotate so that the carrying surface moves in the −Y direction. Empty loading cassettes C1are placed on the carrying surface of the collecting belt11b. The loading cassette C1is configured to move toward the cassette entrance10through the rotation of the collecting belt11b.

In the embodiment, for example, the loading cassettes C1may be disposed in a standby state at five standby positions (container standby positions) on each of the supply belt11aand the collecting belt11b. In the substrate loading unit LDU, the standby position for the loading cassette C1may be moved by rotating the supply belt11aand the collecting belt11b, and the carrying time of the loading cassette C1may be shortened by moving the standby position.

The substrate processing unit SPU is disposed substantially at the center of the X direction in the substrate processing system SYS. The substrate processing unit SPU is a unit which is used to perform various processes on the substrate S, and the process includes a process forming a thin coating film on the substrate S by coating a liquid material such as a resist thereon, a process removing a thin coating film formed on the peripheral portion of the substrate S, and the like. The substrate processing unit SPU includes buffer mechanisms BF, a substrate carrying mechanism (a rotation mechanism) SC, an application mechanism CT, and a peripheral edge portion removal mechanism (an adjustment portion) EBR.

The buffer mechanisms BF are respectively provided at two positions with the application mechanism CT interposed therebetween in the X direction along the +Y side of the substrate processing unit SPU. In the buffer mechanisms BF disposed at two positions, the buffer mechanism disposed at the −X side of the application mechanism CT is a loading-side buffer mechanism (a substrate loading area) BF1, and the buffer mechanism disposed at the +X side of the application mechanism CT is an unloading-side buffer mechanism (a substrate unloading area) BF2.

The loading-side buffer mechanism BF1is a portion which allows the loading cassette C1to be in a standby state. The loading-side buffer mechanism BF1has standby positions for the loading cassette C1. For example, the loading-side buffer mechanism BF1may have four standby positions for the loading cassette C1(the standby positions P1to P4). The three standby positions P1to P3among these are arranged in the X direction. The standby position P1disposed at the −X side of the drawing is, for example, the standby position for the loading cassette C1supplied to the substrate processing unit SPU. The standby position P2at the center of the X direction of the drawing is the standby position for the loading cassette C1moved from the standby position P1. The standby position P3at the +X side of the drawing is the standby position for the loading cassette C1moved from the standby position P2. Further, the standby position P4is disposed at the −Y side with respect to the standby position P2. A loading position LP of the substrate S is provided above the standby position P4in the +Z direction. The substrate S is carried to the application mechanism CT through the loading position LP.

The unloading-side buffer mechanism BF2is a portion which allows the unloading cassette C2to be in a standby state. The unloading-side buffer mechanism BF2has standby positions for the unloading cassette C2. For example, the unloading-side buffer mechanism BF2may have four standby positions for the unloading cassette C2(the standby positions P5to P8). The three standby positions P5to P7are arranged in the X direction. The standby position P5at the −X side of the drawing is, for example, the standby position for the unloading cassette C2supplied to the substrate processing unit SPU. The standby position P6at the center in the X direction is the standby position for the unloading cassette C2moved from the standby position P5. The standby position P7at the +X side of the drawing is the standby position for the unloading cassette C2moved from the standby position P6. Further, the standby position P8is disposed at the −Y side with respect to the standby position P6. An unloading position UP of the substrate S is provided above the standby position P8in the +Z direction. The substrate S is carried from the application mechanism CT through the unloading position UP.

FIG. 4is an enlarged diagram illustrating cassette moving mechanisms20and22ofFIG. 1.FIG. 5is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a part of the cassette moving mechanisms20and22.FIG. 6is a diagram illustrating the cassette moving mechanisms20and22when seen from the +Y direction. Since the cassette moving mechanism20and the cassette moving mechanism22have the same configuration, the cassette moving mechanism20will be described. InFIGS. 4 to 6, the components (including the unloading cassette C2and the standby positions P5to P8) of the cassette moving mechanism22corresponding to the components (including the loading cassette C1and the standby positions P1to P4) of the cassette moving mechanism20are denoted by symbols placed in brackets.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 4to6, the loading-side buffer mechanism BF1includes the cassette moving mechanism (the third moving mechanism)20. The cassette moving mechanism20includes a cassette placing member20aand a cassette carrying arm20b. The cassette placing member20ais a plate-like member which is provided at each of the standby positions P1to P3. The loading cassette C1is placed on the +Z-side surface of the cassette placing member20a.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 4, the cassette placing member20aprovided at the standby position P2is configured to move in the Y direction by a driving unit (not shown). For this reason, the cassette placing member20aprovided at the standby position P2is configured to move between the standby position P2and the standby position P4by way of the driving unit. The cassette placing members20aprovided at the standby positions P1and P3are fixed.

As shown inFIGS. 4 and 6, an annular convex portion20cis formed in the +Z-side surface (the placing surface) of the cassette placing member20aalong the outer periphery of the loading cassette C1. Since the convex portion20cis provided, the loading cassette C1is fitted into the convex portion20cwhile the loading cassette C1is placed on the cassette placing member20a. For this reason, the loading cassette C1may be positioned and the positional deviation of the loading cassette C1may be prevented.

The cassette carrying arms20bare respectively provided at two positions among the standby positions P1to P3. Each cassette carrying arm20bis formed along the outer periphery of the cassette placing member20awhen seen in the Z direction. The cassette carrying arm20bis configured to be movable in the X direction and the Z direction by a driving unit (not shown).

As shown inFIG. 5, the cassette carrying arm20bis supported while being fixed to an arm support member20d. A driving mechanism (not shown) is connected to the arm support member20d. The driving mechanism (not shown) is configured to move the arm support member20din the X direction and the Z direction. The cassette carrying arm20bis configured to be movable together with the movement of the arm support member20d. As shown inFIG. 6, the cassette carrying arm20bis configured to be movable to the +Z side and the −Z side of the cassette placing member20a.

Since the positional relationship and the function of the components of the cassette moving mechanism22are the same as those of the cassette moving mechanism20, the description thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, when mentioning the components of the cassette moving mechanism22, the same names as those of the components of the cassette moving mechanism20will be used and the symbols placed in brackets ofFIGS. 4 to 6will be added to the end of the name.

As shown inFIGS. 1 to 3, the substrate processing unit SPU includes a substrate loading mechanism21and a substrate unloading mechanism27near the buffer mechanism BF. The substrate loading mechanism21is disposed near the standby position P4. On the other hand, the substrate unloading mechanism27is disposed near the standby position P8. The configuration of the substrate loading mechanism21and the substrate unloading mechanism27will be described. Since the substrate loading mechanism21and the substrate unloading mechanism27have the same configuration, hereinafter, the substrate loading mechanism21will be described.

FIGS. 7 to 9are diagrams schematically illustrating the configuration of the substrate loading mechanism21and the substrate unloading mechanism27. InFIGS. 7 to 9, the components (including the unloading position UP) of the substrate unloading mechanism27corresponding to the components (including the loading position LP) of the substrate loading mechanism21are denoted by symbols put in brackets.

As shown inFIGS. 7 to 9, the substrate loading mechanism21includes an upper substrate portion holding mechanism23and a lower substrate portion holding mechanism24. The upper substrate portion holding mechanism23is disposed at the +X side of the standby position P4. The upper substrate portion holding mechanism23moves in the Z direction while holding the +Z side of the substrate S. The upper substrate portion holding mechanism23includes an elevation member23a, a clamping member23b, and an elevation mechanism23c.

The elevation member23ais a columnar support member which is formed in an L-shape in the side view, and is configured to be movable in the Z direction. The elevation member23aincludes a columnar support portion which extends in the Z direction and a protrusion portion protruding from the upper end of the columnar support portion in the X direction. The columnar support portion is provided from the +Z end surface of the loading cassette C1up to the +Z side. The protrusion portion in the elevation member23ais disposed at a position overlapping with the loading position LP in the plan view. The −Z side of the protrusion portion is provided with a concave portion matching the shape of the substrate S.

The clamping member23bis attached to the concave portion of the elevation member23a. Accordingly, the clamping member23bis also provided at a position overlapping with the loading position LP in the plan view. The elevation mechanism23cis a driving unit attached to the elevation member23a, and is disposed at the −Z side of the loading cassette C1. As the elevation mechanism23c, for example, a driving mechanism such as an air cylinder may be used.

The lower substrate portion holding mechanism24is provided at a position overlapping with the center of the loading position LP in the plan view. The lower substrate portion holding mechanism24moves in the Z direction while holding the −Z side of the substrate S. The lower substrate portion holding mechanism24includes an elevation member24a, a clamping member24b, and an elevation mechanism24c. The elevation member24ais a rod-shaped columnar support member, and is configured to be movable in the Z direction. The clamping member24bis attached to the +Z-side front end of the elevation member24a, and the clamping member24bis also provided at a position overlapping with the center of the loading position LP in the plan view. The elevation mechanism24cis a driving unit attached to the elevation member24a, and is disposed at the −Z side of the loading cassette C1. As the elevation mechanism24c, for example, a driving mechanism such as an air cylinder may be used.

The elevation mechanism23cof the upper substrate portion holding mechanism23and the elevation mechanism24cof the lower substrate portion holding mechanism24may be independently operated and may be operated in a synchronized manner.

Since the positional relationship and the function of the components of the substrate unloading mechanism27are the same as those of the corresponding components of the substrate loading mechanism21, the description thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, when mentioning the components of the substrate unloading mechanism27, the same names as those of the corresponding components of the substrate loading mechanism21will be used and the symbols placed in brackets ofFIGS. 7 to 9will be added to the end of the name.

As shown inFIGS. 1 to 3, the substrate carrying mechanism SC is provided at two positions with the application mechanism CT interposed therebetween in the X direction to be located at the center of the Y direction of the substrate processing unit SPU. In the substrate carrying mechanisms SC provided at two positions, the mechanism disposed at the −X side of the application mechanism CT is a loading-side carrying mechanism SC1, and the mechanism disposed at the +X side of the application mechanism CT is an unloading-side carrying mechanism SC2. The loading-side carrying mechanism SC1, the unloading-side carrying mechanism SC2, and the application mechanism CT are disposed in a straight line along the X direction.

The loading-side carrying mechanism SC1may access the application mechanism CT and the loading position LP of the loading-side buffer mechanism BF1and carry the substrate S therebetween. The unloading-side carrying mechanism SC2may access the application mechanism CT, the unloading position UP of the unloading-side buffer mechanism BF2, and the peripheral edge portion removal mechanism EBR and carry the substrate S therebetween.

FIG. 10is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the loading-side carrying devices SC1and SC2. Since the loading-side carrying mechanism SC1and the unloading-side carrying mechanism SC2have the same configuration, hereinafter, the loading-side carrying mechanism SC1will be described. InFIG. 10, the components (including the unloading position UP) of the loading-side carrying device SC2corresponding to the components (including the loading position LP) of the loading-side carrying device SC1are denoted by symbols in brackets.

As shown inFIG. 10, the loading-side carrying mechanism SC1includes a base portion30, an arm portion31, and a holding portion32. The base portion30is provided on an upper surface of a recessed portion of the stage unit STU. The base portion30includes a fixed table30a, a rotation table30b, a rotation mechanism30c, and a support member30d.

The fixed table30ais fixed to the upper surface of the recessed portion of the stage unit STU. The base portion30is fixed onto the stage unit STU with the fixed table30ainterposed therebetween so that positional deviation thereof does not occur. The rotation table30bis disposed on the fixed table30awith the rotation mechanism30cinterposed therebetween. The rotation table30bis provided to be rotatable with respect to the fixed table30aabout the Z axis serving as a rotation axis. The rotation mechanism30cis provided between the fixed table30aand the rotation table30b, and is a driving mechanism that applies a rotation force to the rotation table30b. The support member30dis a columnar support member of which the −Z-side end portion is fixed onto the rotation table30b. The support member30dis provided at multiple positions, for example, two positions of the rotation table30b. The +Z-side end portion of the support member30dis inserted into the arm portion31.

The arm portion31is supported by the support member30dof the base portion30. The arm portion31moves the holding portion32to different positions within the substrate processing unit SPU. The arm portion31includes a pentagonal columnar casing31a. A front end surface31bof the casing31ais provided with an opening portion31c. The casing31ahas therein a rotation mechanism33, a suction mechanism34, and a moving mechanism35.

The rotation mechanism33is disposed at the +Z side inside the casing31a. The rotation mechanism33includes a motor device33aand a rotation shaft member33b. The motor device33aand the rotation shaft member33bare configured to be movable together in the left/right direction of the drawing. The motor device33ais a driving device which applies a rotation force to the rotation shaft member33b. The rotation shaft member33bis a bar-like member which is disposed to be parallel to the XY plane and has a circular cross-section.

The rotation shaft member33bis configured to rotate about the rotation axis by the driving force of the motor device33a. The rotation shaft member33bis disposed so that one end thereof protrudes from the opening portion31cto the outside of the casing31a(a protrusion portion33c). The end surface at the side of the protrusion portion33cof the rotation shaft member33bis provided with a concave portion33dwhich is used for the attachment of the holding portion32. The concave portion33dhas a circular cross-section. The protrusion portion33cincludes a fixation mechanism which fixes the holding portion32while the holding portion32is attached to the concave portion33d. When the holding portion32is fixed by the fixation mechanism, the rotation shaft member33band the holding portion32may rotate together.

The rotation shaft member33bincludes a penetration hole33e. The penetration hole33eis formed to penetrate a bottom surface33fof the concave portion33dof the rotation shaft member33band the other end surface33gof the rotation shaft member33balong the direction of the rotation shaft. The bottom surface33fof the concave portion33dof the rotation shaft member33bmay communicate with the end surface33gthereof through the penetration hole33e.

The suction mechanism34is provided on the side of the end surface33gof the rotation shaft member33b. The suction mechanism34includes a suction device such as a suction pump34a. The suction pump34ais connected to the penetration hole33eat the end surface33gof the rotation shaft member33b. When the suction pump34asuctions the penetration hole33efrom the end surface33gof the rotation shaft member33b, the suction pump34amay suction the bottom surface33fof the concave portion33dcommunicating with the penetration hole33e.

The moving mechanism35is disposed at the −Z side inside the casing31a. The moving mechanism35includes a motor device35a, a rotation shaft member35b, and a movable member35c. The motor device35ais a driving device which applies a rotation force to the rotation shaft member35b. The rotation shaft member35bis a bar-like member of which one end is inserted into the motor device35aand which has a circular cross-section. The rotation shaft member35bis configured to rotate about the rotation axis by the driving force of the motor device35a. The surface of the rotation shaft member35bis provided with a thread (not shown).

The movable member35cincludes a threading portion35dand a connection member35e. The threading portion35dis integrally formed with the rotation shaft member35band has a screw hole (not shown) formed on the surface thereof.

The connection member35eis fixed to, for example, the motor device33aof the rotation mechanism33. The lower surface of the connection member35eis provided with a thread, and the thread may mesh with the thread formed on the threading portion35d.

When the rotation shaft member35brotates by the driving of the motor device35a, the rotation shaft member35band the threading portion35drotate together. Through the rotation of the threading portion35d, the connection member35emeshing with the thread of the threading portion35dmoves in the left/right direction of the drawing, and the connection member35eand the rotation mechanism33fixed to the connection member35emove together in the left/right direction of the drawing. By this movement, the holding portion32provided at the right end of the rotation mechanism33in the drawing moves in the left/right direction of the drawing.

The holding portion32is detachably fixed to the concave portion33dof the arm portion31. The holding portion32holds the substrate S by using, for example, a holding force such as a suction force. The holding portion32includes a suction member36and a blocking member37. The suction member36and the blocking member37are detachably provided.

In the loading-side carrying mechanism SC1with the above-described configuration, when the arm portion31rotates about the Z axis serving as the rotation axis or moves in the direction of the XY plane, the holding portion32may access both the application mechanism CT and the loading position LP. Further, the loading-side carrying mechanism SC1may hold the substrate S upright in the Z direction by the suction force of the suction pump34ainside the arm portion31and may rotate the substrate S while being upright in the Z direction by rotating the rotation shaft member33binside the arm portion31. Furthermore, the state where the substrate S is upright in the Z direction indicates the state where the substrate S is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. In the embodiment, it is desirable to rotate the substrate S held upright while being inclined with respect to the horizontal plane at, for example, 70° to 90°. The rotation shaft members disposed in the arm portion31and the like rotating the substrate may have a configuration in which shaft members are connected to each other through a coupling.

Since the positional relationship and the function of the components of the unloading-side carrying mechanism SC2are the same as those of the corresponding component of the loading-side carrying mechanism SC1, the description thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, when mentioning the components of the unloading-side carrying mechanism SC2, the same names as those of the components of the loading-side carrying mechanism SC1will be used and the symbols placed in brackets ofFIG. 10will be added to the end of the name.

As shown inFIGS. 1 to 3, the application mechanism CT is disposed substantially at a first position of the center of the substrate processing unit SPU in the plan view, and is fixed to the upper surface of the recessed portion of the stage unit STU. The application mechanism CT is a device which forms a thin coating film on the substrate S by coating a liquid material thereto. In the embodiment, the application mechanism CT forms a thin coating film used for an imprinting process on the substrate S. The substrate may access both the −X side and the +X side of the application mechanism CT. Accordingly, for example, the substrate S may be loaded or unloaded from either the −X side or the +X side. The application mechanism CT performs an application process at an application position50(a portion depicted by the dashed line. Refer toFIG. 11and the like for symbols) substantially at the center in the X direction.FIGS. 11 to 13are diagrams illustrating the configuration of the application mechanism CT. The application mechanism CT includes nozzle portions NZ, a cup portion CP, and a nozzle managing mechanism NM.

Each nozzle portion NZ is configured to access the center of the Y direction of the application position50by the nozzle moving mechanism51. The nozzle portions NZ are disposed at the +X side and the −X side with the application position50interposed therebetween. The nozzle portion NZ includes a nozzle52which ejects a liquid material forming the thin coating film onto the substrate S. The nozzle52is formed to be bent at a bent portion52bso as to eject a liquid material from the center of the substrate S toward the outer peripheral side thereof when accessing the application position. The nozzle52is provided at the −Z side with respect to the rotation axis of the substrate S. The nozzles52are disposed at the same position in the first surface side (the +X side) of the substrate S and the second surface side (the −X side) of the substrate S with respect to the application position50and are disposed to be symmetrical to each other in the X direction. As shown inFIG. 14, the nozzle52is formed so that an ejection surface52aof the front end thereof is inclined with respect to the ejection direction of the liquid material. Since the front end of the nozzle52is formed to be sharp, for example, it is possible to satisfactorily stop the supply of the liquid material when the application of the liquid material is stopped.

The cup portion CP includes an inner cup CP1and an outer cup CP2. The inner cup CP1is formed in a circular shape when seen in the X direction, and is disposed to surround the side portion of the substrate S disposed at the application position50. The outer cup CP2is formed in a square shape when seen in the X direction, and is disposed to support the inner cup CP1from the outside thereof. The outer cup CP2is fixed to the upper surface of the stage unit STU through, for example, the support member and the like.

In the embodiment, the inner cup CP1and the outer cup CP2are integrally formed with each other, but may, of course, be formed independently.

The inner cup CP1includes an accommodation portion53which accommodates a liquid material. The accommodation portion53includes a discharge mechanism54which discharges at least one of the liquid material and the gas inside the accommodation portion53. The discharge mechanism54is provided along the tangential direction of the outer periphery of the inner cup CP1formed in a circular shape. The discharge mechanism54is connected to the inside of the accommodation portion53of the inner cup CP1through the outer cup CP2. As shown inFIG. 12, for example, the discharge mechanism54is provided for each side of the outer cup CP2, and the total number thereof is four. As shown inFIG. 12, each discharge mechanism54is connected to each discharge path. Each discharge path is provided with a trap mechanism55which is a gas-liquid separation mechanism which separates a gas and a liquid from each other. Furthermore, regarding another discharge mechanism54ofFIGS. 11 to 13, the discharge path and the trap mechanism55are not shown.

As the entrance of the accommodation portion53, the portion53afacing the side portion of the substrate S in the inner cup CP1is provided to be attachable to or detachable from other portions of the inner cup CP1. As shown inFIG. 15, the inner cup CP1includes an adjustment mechanism53bwhich adjusts the opening length of the facing portion53a. By using the adjustment mechanism53b, for example, the opening length or the rebound state of the application liquid may be adjusted in accordance with the thickness of the substrate S. As shown inFIG. 12, the inner cup CP1is provided with a rotation mechanism (a second rotation mechanism)53cwhich rotates the inner cup CP1along the outer periphery of the substrate S about the X axis serving as the rotation axis. A second nozzle56is provided on the −Y side of the nozzle52to eject a cleaning liquid of the cup portion CP.

The nozzle managing mechanism NM manages the ejection state of the nozzle52so as to be constant. The nozzle managing mechanism NM is attached to the outer surface of the +X side of the cup portion CP.FIG. 16is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the nozzle managing mechanism NM when seen in the −X direction. As shown inFIG. 16, the nozzle managing mechanism NM includes a casing BD, an impregnation portion57, a discharge portion58, and a preliminary ejection portion59. The impregnation portion57, the discharge portion58, and the preliminary ejection portion59are provided for each casing BD, and are integrally formed with each other.

The impregnation portion57is a portion which immerses the front end of the nozzle52into an impregnation liquid Q in order to prevent the front end of the nozzle52from being dried. The impregnation portion57includes a nozzle locking portion57awhich locks the nozzle52, an impregnation liquid storage portion57bwhich stores the impregnation liquid Q therein, and an impregnation liquid supply portion57cwhich supplies the impregnation liquid Q to the impregnation liquid storage portion57bthrough a passage57d. When the nozzle52is locked by the nozzle locking portion57a, the front end of the nozzle52is impregnated with the impregnation liquid Q. As the impregnation liquid Q, for example, a cleaning liquid or the like may be used.

The discharge portion58is a portion which discharges the impregnation liquid. The discharge portion58includes a nozzle locking portion58awhich locks the nozzle52and a suction mechanism58bwhich suctions a discharge passage58ccommunicating with the impregnation liquid storage portion57b. When the suction mechanism58bis operated, the discharge passage58cin which the front end portion of the nozzle52is disposed and the impregnation liquid storage portion57bare simultaneously suctioned. The discharge portion58is disposed at the −Y side of the impregnation portion57to communicate with the impregnation portion57. Since the discharge portion58communicates with the impregnation portion57, the impregnation liquid overflowing from the impregnation portion57is discharged therefrom, and the impregnation liquid inside the impregnation portion57may be maintained at a constant amount.

The preliminary ejection portion59is a portion which discharges a preliminary liquid material from the nozzle52. The preliminary ejection portion59includes a nozzle locking portion59awhich locks the nozzle52, a preliminary ejection member59bwhich is configured to be movable in the Y direction by a moving mechanism (not shown) and receives the liquid material discharged from the nozzle52, a drain passage59cand a drain mechanism59dwhich discharge a part of the liquid material ejected from the nozzle52, a suction passage59ewhich is connected to the drain passage59c, a suction mechanism59fwhich suctions the inside of the suction passage59e, and a cleaning liquid supply mechanism59gwhich supplies a cleaning liquid to the preliminary ejection member59b. When the preliminary ejection member59bmoves in the Y direction, the +Y-side end portion of the preliminary ejection member59bmay appear to the inside of the drain passage59cand receive the liquid material ejected from the nozzle52.

The peripheral edge portion removal mechanism EBR removes the thin coating film formed at the peripheral edge of the substrate S. As shown inFIG. 1, for example, the substrate S is held at a holding position (a second position)90at the +X side of the application mechanism CT and the end side at the −Y side of the substrate processing unit SPU by a holding portion42of the unloading-side carrying mechanism SC2. The peripheral edge portion removal mechanism EBR is provided at a position including the holding position90. It is desirable to perform the removal process using the peripheral edge portion removal mechanism EBR while the thin coating film formed on the substrate S is not dried. For this reason, it is desirable to dispose the peripheral edge portion removal mechanism EBR at a position where the substrate S may be carried from the application mechanism CT within a short time.

FIGS. 17 to 19are diagrams illustrating the configuration of the peripheral edge portion removal mechanism EBR.FIG. 17is a plan view,FIG. 18is a front view, andFIG. 19is a side view.

As shown inFIGS. 17 to 19, the peripheral edge portion removal mechanism EBR includes a stage80, an accommodation mechanism81, a cleaning liquid ejection mechanism82, a suction mechanism83, and a driving mechanism84.

The stage80holds the accommodation mechanism81, the cleaning liquid ejection mechanism82, and the suction mechanism83. The stage80is configured to be elevatable between a standby position ST1and a process position ST2(to be movable in the Z direction). The stage80is disposed at the standby position ST1when the peripheral edge portion removal mechanism EBR is not operated and is disposed at the process position ST2while the peripheral edge portion removal mechanism EBR is operated.

The accommodation mechanism81is disposed substantially at the center on the stage80when seen in the Z direction. The accommodation mechanism81accommodates part of the peripheral edge portion of the substrate S while the stage80is disposed at the process position ST2. The accommodation mechanism81includes a first plate-like portion81a, a second plate-like portion81b, and a connection portion81c.

Each of the first plate-like portion81aand the second plate-like portion81bis a plate-like portion having the same shape and the same dimensions. Each of the first plate-like portion81aand the second plate-like portion81bis formed in an L-shape when seen in the Y direction. The first plate-like portion81aand the second plate-like portion81bare disposed to face each other so that a gap81haccommodating the substrate S is formed therebetween. The connection portion81cconnects the end side of the −X side of the first plate-like portion81ato the end side of the −X side of the second plate-like portion81b.

The accommodation mechanism81includes an end portion accommodation portion81dwhich accommodates the lower end portion (the −Z-side end portion) of the substrate S and a downstream accommodation portion81ewhich accommodates the downstream of the lower end portion of the substrate S in the rotation direction. The end portion accommodation portion81dis provided at the +Z side of a portion extending in the X direction among the first plate-like portion81aand the second plate-like portion81b. The end portion accommodation portion81dand the downstream accommodation portion81einclude a portion overlapping with the substrate S in the first plate-like portion81aand the second plate-like portion81bwhen seen from the Y direction. The overlapping amount with the substrate S at the overlapping portion may be set to, for example, about 10 mm.

The end portion accommodation portion81dis provided with a nozzle insertion portion81f. The nozzle insertion portion81fis formed from a position higher than the lower end portion of the substrate S accommodated in the end portion accommodation portion81dto a position lower than the lower end portion of the substrate S in the Z direction.

For this reason, the accommodation mechanism81accommodates the substrate S while the lower end portion of the substrate S is exposed to the outside from the nozzle insertion portion81f. A connection portion81gconnecting the end portion accommodation portion81dand the downstream accommodation portion81eto each other is curved along the shape of the outer periphery of the substrate S. For example, the end portion accommodation portion81dand the downstream accommodation portion81eare formed to cover at least two thirds from the lower end portion in the Z direction from the lower end portion of the substrate S in the Z direction. Of course, the end portion accommodation portion81dand the downstream accommodation portion81emay be formed to cover from the lower end portion of the substrate S to the upper end portion (the +Z-side end portion).

The cleaning liquid ejection mechanism82is provided for each of the +Y side and the −Y side of the accommodation mechanism81. Each cleaning liquid ejection mechanism82supplies a cleaning liquid to the peripheral edge portion of the substrate S. Each cleaning liquid ejection mechanism82includes a base portion82a, an arm82b, and a cleaning liquid nozzle82c. The base portion82aincludes, for example, a driving mechanism (not shown) rotating the arm82b. By the driving mechanism, for example, as shown inFIG. 19, the arm82brotates in the OX direction.

When each arm82brotates in the clockwise direction and the counter-clockwise direction with respect to the θX direction, the cleaning liquid nozzle82cis inserted into the nozzle insertion portion81fof the accommodation mechanism81. Further, when each arm82brotates in the clockwise direction and the counter-clockwise direction with respect to the θX direction, the cleaning liquid nozzle82cinserted into the nozzle insertion portion81fis separated therefrom.

The cleaning liquid nozzle82chas the same shape as that of the nozzle52. That is, the cleaning liquid nozzle82cincludes a bent portion82f. The cleaning liquid nozzle82cis formed to be bent at the bent portion82fso as to eject the cleaning liquid from the center of the substrate S toward the outer peripheral side thereof while being inserted into the nozzle insertion portion81f. Further, the ejection surface of the front end of the cleaning liquid nozzle82cmay be inclined with respect to the ejection direction of the cleaning liquid. In this case, since the front end of the cleaning liquid nozzle82cis formed to be sharp, for example, it is possible to satisfactorily stop the supply of the cleaning liquid when the application of the cleaning liquid is stopped.

The suction mechanism83suctions the gap81hformed between the first plate-like portion81aand the second plate-like portion81bin the accommodation mechanism81. The suction mechanism83includes a suction pipe83awhich is disposed inside the stage80and a suction pump83bwhich is connected to the suction pipe83a. The suction pipe83aincludes a suction port83cwhich is directed toward the accommodation mechanism81. The suction port83cis connected to the gap81h.

By the suction mechanism83, an air stream moving toward the −Z direction is formed in the gap81h. For example, since the droplets of liquid material or the cleaning liquid scattered from the substrate S are apt to flow toward the −Z side by the air stream, scattering the liquid material or the cleaning liquid may be suppressed over the accommodation mechanism81in the +Z direction. The suction mechanism83suctions the gas inside the gap81hor the removed liquid material and the cleaning liquid or the like discharged from the cleaning liquid nozzle82c, and also serves as a discharge mechanism.

The driving mechanism84moves the stage80between the standby position ST1and the process position ST2. The driving mechanism84includes, for example, an actuator mechanism such as a motor mechanism or an air cylinder mechanism (not shown). The driving mechanism84may include a guide portion or the like (not shown) guiding the stage80.

Returning toFIGS. 1 to 3, the substrate unloading unit ULU is disposed at the +X side of the substrate processing unit SPU in the substrate processing system SYS. The substrate unloading unit ULU is a unit in which the unloading cassette C2accommodating the processed substrate S is collected and to which the empty unloading cassette C2is supplied. The portion of the substrate unloading unit ULU in the Y direction is formed as a long side, and unloading cassettes C2may be disposed thereon in the Y direction.

The substrate unloading unit ULU includes a cassette entrance60and a cassette moving mechanism (a second moving mechanism)61. The cassette entrance60is an opening portion which is provided at the −Y side of the cover member covering the substrate unloading unit ULU. The cassette entrance60is an entrance (a supply opening) of the empty unloading cassette C2and is an exit (a collection opening) of the unloading cassette C2accommodating the processed substrate S.

The cassette moving mechanism61includes, for example, a driving mechanism such as a belt conveyor mechanism. In the embodiment, a conveyor belt is provided as the driving mechanism. The conveyor belt extends from the +Y-side end portion of the substrate unloading unit ULU to the −Y-side end portion thereof in the Y direction, and two conveyor belts are disposed in the X direction.

The supply belt61ais a conveyor belt which is disposed at the −X side among the two conveyor belts. The +Z side of the supply belt61ais used as a carrying surface. The supply belt61ais configured to rotate so that the carrying surface moves in the +Y direction. Unloading cassettes C2entering the substrate unloading unit ULU through the cassette entrance60are placed on the carrying surface of the supply belt61a. The unloading cassettes C2are configured to move toward the carrying unit CRU through the rotation of the supply belt61a.

The collecting belt61bis a conveyor belt which is disposed at the +X side of the two conveyor belts. The +Z side of the collecting belt61bis used as a carrying surface. The collecting belt61bis configured to rotate so that the carrying surface moves in the −Y direction. The unloading cassettes C2accommodating the processed substrate S is placed on the carrying surface of the collecting belt61b.

The unloading cassette C2is configured to move toward the cassette entrance60through the rotation of the collecting belt61b.

In the embodiment, for example, the unloading cassette C2may be disposed in a standby state at five standby positions (container standby portions) on each of the supply belt61aand the collecting belt61b. In the substrate unloading unit ULU, the standby position for the unloading cassette C2may be moved by rotating the supply belt61aand the collecting belt61b, and the carrying time of the unloading cassette C2may be shortened by moving the standby position.

The carrying unit CRU is disposed at an area along the end of the +Y side inside the substrate processing system SYS, and is configured to contact each of the substrate processing unit SPU, the substrate loading unit LDU, and the substrate unloading unit ULU. The carrying unit CRU carries the loading cassette C1between the substrate processing unit SPU and the substrate loading unit LDU, and carries the unloading cassette C2between the substrate processing unit SPU and the substrate unloading unit ULU. The carrying unit CRU includes a rail mechanism RL and a cassette carrying device CC.

The rail mechanism RL is fixed onto the stage unit STU, and extends in a linear shape from the −X-side end portion of the carrying unit CRU to the +X-side end portion thereof. The rail mechanism RL is a guide mechanism which guides the movement position of the cassette carrying device CC. The rail mechanism RL includes two rail members70which are disposed in parallel in the Y direction.

The cassette carrying device CC is provided on the two rail members70to pass over the two rail members70in the plan view. The cassette carrying device CC is a carrying device which accesses each of the buffer mechanism BF of the substrate processing unit SPU, the substrate loading unit LDU, and the substrate unloading unit ULU and holds and carries the loading cassette C1and the unloading cassette C2. The cassette carrying device CC includes a movable member71, a cassette support plate72, a support plate rotation mechanism73, a cassette holding member74, a holding member elevation mechanism75, and a holding member sliding mechanism76.

The movable member71is formed in an H-shape in the plan view, and includes a concave portion71awhich is fitted to the two rail members70. The movable member71includes, for example, a driving mechanism (a motor mechanism or the like) (not shown) therein. The movable member71is configured to be movable in a linear movement section along the rail members70by a driving force of the driving mechanism.

The cassette support plate72is a plate-like member which has a rectangular shape in the plan view and is fixed to the movable member71. The cassette support plate72is formed to have a length larger than those of the bottom portions of the loading cassette C1and the unloading cassette C2, and may stabilize the loading cassette C1and the unloading cassette C2while they are placed thereon. Since the cassette support plate72is fixed to the movable member71, the cassette support plate72is configured to move together with the movable member71.

The support plate rotation mechanism73is a rotation mechanism which rotates the cassette support plate72on the XY plane about the Z axis serving as the rotation axis. The support plate rotation mechanism73may change the length directions of the loading cassette C1and the unloading cassette C2placed on the cassette carrying device CC by rotating the cassette support plate72.

The cassette holding member74is a holding member which is disposed at the +Y side of the cassette support plate72in the plan view and is formed in a U-shape in the plan view. The cassette holding member74is provided so that the position thereof in the X direction overlaps with the cassette support plate72. The cassette holding member74is supported by the movable member71through a support member (not shown), and is configured to be movable together with the movable member71. Both end portions of the U-shaped portion of the cassette holding member74are formed as a holding portion74awhich engages with the engagement portion Cx provided in the loading cassette C1and the unloading cassette C2. The gap of the holding portion74a(both end portions of the U-shaped portion) in the X direction is adjustable in accordance with the gap of the engagement portion Cx provided in the loading cassette C1and the unloading cassette C2. The cassette holding member74may further reliably hold the loading cassette C1and the unloading cassette C2in the Z direction in a manner such that the holding portion74aengages with the engagement portion Cx.

The holding member elevation mechanism75is a moving mechanism which is provided in the cassette holding member74and moves the cassette holding member74in the Z direction. As the holding member elevation mechanism75, for example, a driving mechanism such as an air cylinder may be used. When the cassette holding member74is moved in the +Z direction by the holding member elevation mechanism75, the loading cassette C1and the unloading cassette C2held by the cassette holding member74may be lifted. Conversely, when the cassette holding member74is moved in the −Z direction by the holding member elevation mechanism75, the lifted cassette may be placed.

The holding member sliding mechanism76is a moving mechanism which is provided in the cassette holding member74and moves the cassette holding member74in the Y direction. The holding member sliding mechanism76includes a guide bar76awhich extends in the Y direction and a movable member76bwhich moves along the guide bar76a. The movable member76bis fixed to the cassette holding member74. When the movable member76bmoves along the guide bar76ain the Y direction, the cassette holding member74moves together with the movable member76bin the Y direction.

The control unit CNU is provided inside the stage unit STU of the substrate processing system SYS. The control unit CNU includes, for example, a control device controlling all operations of the units such as a substrate processing operation of the substrate processing unit SPU, a cassette movement operation of the substrate loading unit LDU or the substrate unloading unit ULU, and a carrying operation of the carrying unit CRU, and a supply source necessary for the materials of the units. As the supply source of the material, for example, a liquid material supply source, a cleaning liquid supply source, or the like may be mentioned.

Next, an operation of the substrate processing system SYS with the above-described configuration will be described. The operation performed in each unit of the substrate processing system SYS is controlled by the control unit CNU.

In the following description, the unit performing the operation is mainly described, but the operation is practically performed based on the control of the control unit CNU.

First, a cassette supply operation will be described in which the loading cassette C1accommodating the unprocessed substrate S is disposed at the substrate loading unit LDU, and the empty unloading cassette C2is disposed at the substrate unloading unit ULU.

For example, the loading cassette C1accommodating the unprocessed substrate S is supplied into the substrate loading unit LDU through the cassette entrance10by a supply mechanism or the like (not shown). The substrate loading unit LDU sequentially supplies the loading cassette C1while rotating the supply belt11a. By this operation, the loading cassettes C1accommodating the unprocessed substrates S are disposed inside the substrate loading unit LDU.

On the other hand, for example, the empty unloading cassette C2is supplied into the substrate unloading unit ULU through the cassette entrance60by the supply device or the like (not shown). The substrate unloading unit ULU sequentially supplies the unloading cassette C2while rotating the supply belt61a. By this operation, the empty unloading cassettes C2are disposed inside the substrate unloading unit ULU.

Next, the loading cassettes C1supplied to the substrate loading unit LDU and the unloading cassettes C2supplied to the substrate unloading unit ULU are carried to each substrate processing unit SPU. This cassette carrying operation is performed by using the cassette carrying device CC provided in the carrying unit CRU.

The operation of carrying the loading cassette C1will be described. The carrying unit CRU receives the loading cassette C1by allowing the cassette carrying device CC to access the substrate loading unit LDU, and moves the cassette carrying device CC to the loading-side buffer mechanism BF1. After the movement of the cassette carrying device CC, the carrying unit CRU places the loading cassette C1at the standby position P1of the loading-side buffer mechanism BF1. After receiving the loading cassette, the substrate loading unit LDU moves the supply belt11a, and entirely moves the other loading cassettes C1in the +Y direction. Since the space at the −Y-side end portion on the supply belt11abecomes empty due to the movement of the loading cassette C1, a new loading cassette C1is supplied to the empty space by the supply device (not shown).

In the same manner, as for the operation of carrying the unloading cassette C2, the carrying unit CRU receives the unloading cassette C2by allowing the cassette carrying device CC to access the substrate unloading unit ULU, and moves the cassette carrying device CC to the unloading-side buffer mechanism BF1. After the movement of the cassette carrying device CC, the carrying unit CRU places the unloading cassette C2at the standby position P5of the unloading-side buffer mechanism BF2. After receiving the unloading cassette, the substrate unloading unit ULU moves the supply belt61a, and entirely moves the other unloading cassettes C2in the +Y direction. Since the space of the −Y-side end portion on the supply belt61abecomes empty due to the movement of the unloading cassette C2, a new unloading cassette C2is supplied to the empty space by the supply device (not shown).

Next, the processing operation at the substrate processing unit SPU will be described.

The substrate processing unit SPU performs an operation of moving the loading cassette C1accommodating the unprocessed substrate S and the empty unloading cassette C2, an operation of loading the substrate S accommodated in the loading cassette C1, an operation of coating a liquid material onto the substrate S, a peripheral edge portion removal operation of removing the peripheral edge portion of the thin coating film formed on the substrate S, an operation of unloading the processed substrate S, an operation of moving the empty loading cassette C1and the unloading cassette C2accommodating the processed substrate S, a maintenance operation of the nozzle portion NZ, and a maintenance operation of the cup portion CP. In addition to each operation, the operation of carrying the substrate S is performed between the loading operation and the application operation, between the application operation and the peripheral edge portion removal operation, and between the peripheral edge portion removal operation and the unloading operation.

Among these operations, first, the operation of moving the loading cassette C1and the unloading cassette C2will be described. The substrate processing unit SPU moves the loading cassette C1carried to the standby position P1of the loading-side buffer mechanism BF1to the standby position P2, and further moves the loading cassette C1moved to the standby position P2to the standby position P4.

The substrate processing unit SPU moves the cassette carrying arm20bfrom the −Z side of the cassette placing member20atoward the +Z side thereof while the loading cassette C1is placed on the cassette placing member20aprovided at, for example, the standby position P1. By this operation, the cassette carrying arm20breceives the loading cassette C1, so that the loading cassette C1is lifted with respect to the cassette placing member20a.

The substrate processing unit SPU moves the cassette carrying arm20breceiving the loading cassette C1in the +X direction, and stops the movement at the standby position P2. After the movement is stopped, the substrate processing unit SPU moves the cassette carrying arm20bin the −Z direction of the cassette placing member20a. By this operation, the cassette carrying arm20bgives the loading cassette C1to the cassette placing member20a, and the cassette carrying arm20bmoves toward the −Z side of the cassette placing member20a. In this manner, the loading cassette C1is disposed at the standby position P2.

After the loading cassette C1is moved from the standby position P1to the standby position P2, the substrate processing unit SPU moves the cassette carrying arm20btoward the −Z side of the cassette placing member20a, and moves the cassette carrying arm20bin the −X direction. By this operation, the cassette carrying arm20bis returned to the original position (the standby position P1). At the same time, the substrate processing unit SPU moves the cassette carrying arm20bdisposed at the standby position P3in the −X direction. By this operation, the cassette carrying arm20bis disposed at the −Z side of the cassette placing member20aof the standby position P2.

The substrate processing unit SPU moves the cassette placing member20ato the standby position P4while the loading cassette C1is placed on the cassette placing member20aat the standby position P2. By this operation, the loading cassette C1moves from the standby position P2to the standby position P4. In this case, only the cassette placing member20amoves to the standby position P2without moving the cassette carrying arm20bdisposed at the standby position P2. After the substrate S is processed at the standby position P4, the substrate processing unit SPU moves the cassette placing member20afrom the standby position P4to the standby position P2. By this operation, the loading cassette C1is returned to the standby position P2.

In the same manner, the substrate processing unit SPU moves the unloading cassette C2carried to the standby position P5of the unloading-side buffer mechanism BF2to the standby position P6, and further moves the unloading cassette C2moved to the standby position P6to the standby position P8. By these operations, the loading cassette C1and the unloading cassette C2carried into the substrate processing unit SPU are disposed at a process start position.

Next, the operation of loading the substrate S will be described. After the substrate processing unit SPU confirms that the loading cassette C1is disposed at the standby position P4, the upper substrate portion holding mechanism23is disposed at the clamping position, and the elevation member24aof the lower substrate portion holding mechanism24is moved in the +Z direction. By this movement, the clamping member24battached to the +Z-side end portion of the elevation member24acomes into contact with the −Z side of one substrate S disposed closest to the −Y side of the substrates S accommodated in the loading cassette C1, and the −Z side of the substrate S is held by the clamping member24b.

After the −Z side of the substrate S is held, the substrate processing unit SPU further moves the elevation member24ain the +Z direction while maintaining the holding state. By this movement, the substrate S is lifted toward the +Z side by the lower substrate portion holding mechanism24, the +Z side of the substrate S comes into contact with the clamping member23bof the upper substrate portion holding mechanism23, and the +Z side of the substrate S is held by the clamping member23b. The substrate S is held by both the clamping member23bof the upper substrate portion holding mechanism23and the clamping member24bof the lower substrate portion holding mechanism24.

The substrate processing unit SPU simultaneously moves the elevation member23aand the elevation member24ain the +Z direction while holding the substrate S by the clamping member23band the clamping member24b.

The substrate processing unit SPU synchronizes the movements of the elevation mechanism23cand the elevation mechanism24cso that the elevation member23aand the elevation member24amove at the same speed. The substrate S moves in the +Z direction while being held by the clamping member23band the clamping member24b. When the substrate S is disposed at the loading position LP, the substrate processing unit SPU stops the movements of the elevation member23aand the elevation member24a. In this manner, the operation of loading the substrate S is performed.

After the loading operation, the substrate processing unit SPU allows the holding portion32of the loading-side carrying mechanism SC1to access the loading position LP, and holds the substrate S disposed at the loading position LP by the holding portion32. When the holding portion32is allowed to access the loading position LP, the substrate processing unit SPU rotates the rotation table30bto direct the front end surface31bof the arm portion31toward the +Y side and drives the motor device35ato move the arm portion31in the Y direction. In accordance with the movement of the arm portion31, the holding portion32attached to the front end surface31bof the arm portion31accesses the loading position LP.

After the holding portion32accesses the loading position, the substrate processing unit SPU operates the suction pump34ato suction and hold the substrate S via the holding portion32. By this operation, the substrate S is held upright in the Z direction by the holding portion32. After the substrate S is held upright by the holding portion32, the substrate processing unit SPU releases the holding force using the clamping member23band the clamping member24band allows the substrate S to be held by only the holding portion32. In this state, the substrate processing unit SPU releases the holding force to retreat the clamping member23band the clamping member24bin the −Z direction. After the clamping members23band24bretreat, the substrate processing unit SPU rotates the rotation table30bof the loading-side carrying mechanism SC1, and carries the substrate S to the application position inside the application mechanism CT while the substrate S is held upright in the Z direction.

Next, the operation of coating the liquid material onto the substrate S will be described. In this application operation, the application mechanism CT is used. The substrate processing unit SPU rotates the substrate S at a high speed while the substrate S is held upright in the Z direction, and allows the nozzle52provided in the application mechanism CT to access the application position50so that the liquid material is ejected from the nozzle52onto the substrate S.

Specifically, the substrate processing unit SPU operates the motor device33awhile the substrate S is disposed at the application position50. By the action of the motor device33a, the rotation shaft member33brotates, and the holding portion32held by the rotation shaft member33brotates together with the rotation shaft member33b. By this operation, the substrate S rotates while being upright in the Z direction. The substrate processing unit SPU rotates the rotation shaft member33b(the holding portion32and the substrate S) at, for example, 5000 rpm or more.

After the substrate S rotates while being upright in the Z direction, the substrate processing unit SPU allows the nozzles52at the +X side and the −X side of the application position50to access each substrate S, and ejects the liquid material from the nozzles52to the first surface and the second surface of the substrate S. The ejected liquid material is widely spread up to the outer periphery of the substrate S by the centrifugal force of the rotation, so that the thin coating film is formed on both surfaces of the substrate S.

Since each nozzle52is disposed at the −Z side of the rotation axis of the substrate S, the nozzle52is disposed without contacting the holding portion32or the arm portion31. Furthermore, since each nozzle52ejects the liquid material from the rotation axis of the substrate S toward the outer periphery of the substrate S, the movement of the liquid material toward the center of the substrate S is suppressed.

The substrate processing unit SPU rotates the inner cup CP1when coating the liquid material while rotating the substrate S. By the rotation of the substrate S, the liquid material scattered over the substrate S after the liquid material is ejected onto the substrate S is accommodated in the accommodation portion53through the opening portion formed in the facing portion53aof the inner cup CP1. In the inside of the accommodation portion53, the streams of the gas and the liquid material are generated in the rotation direction of the inner cup CP1due to the rotation thereof. The liquid material and the gas are discharged to the discharge path through the discharge mechanism54connected to the outer cup CP2along the streams. The liquid material and the gas discharged to the discharge path are separated from each other by the trap mechanism55so that the gas passes the inside of the trap mechanism55and the liquid material remains inside the trap mechanism55. The liquid material remaining inside the trap mechanism55is discharged through a discharge portion (not shown).

After the application operation, the substrate processing unit SPU allows the holding portion42of the unloading-side carrying mechanism SC2to access the substrate S inside the application mechanism CT from the +X side thereof, and holds the substrate S by the holding portion42. The operation of holding the substrate S using the holding portion42is the same as the operation of holding the substrate S using the holding portion32. By this operation, one surface of the substrate S is held by the holding portion32of the loading-side carrying mechanism SC1, and the other surface of the substrate S is held by the holding portion42of the unloading-side carrying mechanism SC2.

After the substrate S is held by the holding portion42, the substrate processing unit SPU stops the operation of the suction pump34ato release the holding operation of the holding portion32. By this operation, the substrate S is held by only the holding portion42of the unloading-side carrying mechanism SC2, and the substrate S is transferred between the loading-side carrying mechanism SC1and the unloading-side carrying mechanism SC2.

Next, the peripheral edge portion removal operation of removing the thin coating film formed on the periphery of the substrate S will be described. In the peripheral edge portion removal operation, the peripheral edge portion removal mechanism EBR is used. After the substrate S is transferred therebetween, the substrate processing unit SPU rotates the rotation table40bso that the holding portion42is directed toward the peripheral edge portion removal mechanism EBR (the −Y direction), and appropriately extends the arm portion41so that the substrate S is disposed at the holding position90.

After the substrate S is disposed at the holding position90, the substrate processing unit SPU moves the stage80from the standby position ST1to the process position ST2. Since the stage80is disposed at the process position ST2, part of the peripheral edge portion of the substrate S is accommodated in the end portion accommodation portion81dand the downstream accommodation portion81eof the accommodation mechanism81. Specifically, part of the peripheral edge portion of the substrate S is disposed between the first plate-like portion81aand the second plate-like portion81b, and a gap (81h) is formed between the substrate S and the first plate-like portion81a, between the substrate S and the second plate-like portion81b, and between the substrate S and the connection portion81c.

After the stage80is disposed at the process position S2, the substrate processing unit SPU rotates the arm82bof the cleaning liquid ejection mechanism82so that the cleaning liquid nozzle82cis inserted into the nozzle insertion portion81fof the end portion accommodation portion81d. This operation is performed in each of the cleaning liquid ejection mechanisms82disposed at both sides of the first surface Sa and the second surface Sb of the substrate S. By this operation, the front end of the cleaning liquid nozzle82cis directed toward the lower end portion (the −Z side end portion) of the first surface Sa and the second surface Sb of the substrate S in the drawing.

After the cleaning liquid nozzle82cis disposed at the nozzle insertion portion81f, the substrate processing unit SPU operates a motor device43aof the unloading-side carrying mechanism SC2. By the action of the motor device43a, the rotation shaft member43brotates, and the holding portion42held by the rotation shaft member43brotates together with the rotation shaft member43b. At this time, the substrate processing unit SPU rotates the rotation shaft member43b(the holding portion42and the substrate S) at, for example, 1500 rpm or less which is lower than the rpm during the application operation. Further, the substrate processing unit SPU controls the rotational driving of the motor device43aso that the substrate S rotates in the clockwise direction when seen in the +Y direction in the state shown inFIG. 18. The substrate processing unit SPU ejects the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid nozzle82cwhile the substrate S rotates. The substrate processing unit SPU simultaneously ejects the cleaning liquid from, for example, the cleaning liquid nozzles82cdisposed at both sides of the first surface Sa and the second surface Sb of the substrate S.

For example, the ejection start timing of the cleaning liquid nozzles82cat both sides may be different for each of the cleaning liquid nozzles82c.

The cleaning liquid ejected from the cleaning liquid nozzle82cis supplied to the lower end portion of the rotating substrate S.

The liquid thin coating film formed at the lower end portion of the substrate S is melted and removed by the cleaning liquid. By the driving of the motor device43a, the lower end portion of the substrate S receiving the cleaning liquid moves to the downstream accommodation portion81e. The cleaning liquid or the liquid thin coating film attached to the rotating substrate S is apt to fly along, for example, the rotation direction of the substrate S. Conversely, in the embodiment, since the accommodation mechanism81continuously accommodates the substrate S from the end portion accommodation portion81dto the downstream accommodation portion81e, the accommodation mechanism may accommodate the scattered cleaning liquid or the scattered liquid material.

The substrate processing unit SPU operates the suction mechanism83when ejecting the cleaning liquid.

By this operation, the space on the suction port83cis suctioned, so that an air stream is formed in, for example, the gap81hto move in the −Z direction. As for the start time of the suction operation, for example, the start time of the suction operation may be any time before the cleaning liquid is ejected to the substrate S. By the suction operation, an air stream is generated in the −Z direction at the space (the gap81h) around the rotating substrate S toward the suction port83c. For this reason, for example, the droplets of the liquid material or the cleaning liquid scattered from the substrate S flow to the suction port83cby the air stream, and scattering the liquid material or the cleaning liquid is suppressed over the accommodation mechanism81in the +Z direction.

The droplets of the liquid material or the cleaning liquid suctioned from the suction port83care collected through, for example, the suction pipe83a. When the substrate S rotates, for example, once, the cleaning liquid is supplied to the entire thin coating film of the liquid material formed on the peripheral edge portion of the substrate S. In the embodiment, the thin coating film formed on the peripheral edge portion of the substrate S is removed by rotating the substrate S one or more times while the cleaning liquid is supplied to the lower end portion of the substrate S.

The rpm of the substrate S or the amount of the cleaning liquid discharged from the cleaning liquid nozzle82cmay be set in advance by performing, for example, a test or a simulation, and may be changed while the substrate S rotates or the cleaning liquid is discharged. Further, the operation of rotating the substrate S and the operation of coating the cleaning liquid may be set to respectively have limitation times in advance and the operations may be finished after the limitation times are over.

When the operation of removing the peripheral edge portion of the substrate S is finished, the substrate processing unit SPU stops the supply of the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid nozzle82cand stops the rotation of the substrate S. Further, at this time, the operation of the suction mechanism83may be stopped. After the operations are stopped, the substrate processing unit SPU moves the stage80from the process position ST2to the standby position ST1. By this operation, the accommodation mechanism81is retreated from the periphery of the substrate S so that the entire surface of the substrate S is exposed.

After the stage80is moved to the standby position ST1, the substrate processing unit SPU appropriately shortens the arm portion41to return the substrate S to the holding position90. Subsequently, the substrate processing unit SPU moves the elevation member25aso that the clamping member25bof the upper substrate portion holding mechanism25is located at the +Z side of the unloading position UP. After the movement of the elevation member25a, the substrate processing unit SPU rotates the rotation table40bto direct the holding portion42toward the unloading position UP (the +Y direction) and appropriately extends or shortens the arm portion41to allow the holding portion42to access the unloading position UP. By this operation, the substrate S is disposed at the unloading position UP.

Next, the operation of unloading the substrate S will be described. After it is confirmed that the substrate S is disposed at the unloading position UP, the substrate processing unit SPU moves the elevation member25aof the upper substrate portion holding mechanism25in the −Z direction and moves the elevation member26aof the lower substrate portion holding mechanism26in the +Z direction. By this movement, the clamping member25battached to the −Z side of the elevation member25acomes into contact with the +Z side of the substrate S, the clamping member26battached to the +Z-side end portion of the elevation member26acomes into contact with the −Z side of the substrate S, and the +Z side and the −Z side of the substrate S are respectively held by the clamping member25band the clamping member26b.

After it is confirmed that the substrate S is held by both the clamping member25band the clamping member26b, the substrate processing unit SPU stops the operation of the suction pump44aof the unloading-side carrying mechanism SC2and releases a state where the substrate S is held by the holding portion42. By this operation, the substrate S is held by only the clamping member25band the clamping member26b. The substrate processing unit SPU simultaneously moves the elevation member25aand the elevation member26ain the −Z direction while the substrate S is held by the clamping member25band the clamping member26b. The substrate processing unit SPU synchronizes the movements of the elevation mechanism25cand the elevation mechanism26cso that the elevation member25aand the elevation member26amove at the same speed. The substrate S moves in the −Z direction while being held by the clamping member25band the clamping member26b.

When the protrusion portion of the elevation member25abecomes close to the unloading cassette C2, the substrate processing unit SPU releases the holding force using the clamping member25band moves only the elevation member26ain the −Z direction by stopping the movement of the elevation member25a. The substrate S moves in the −Z direction while being held by only the holding force of the clamping member26b.

The substrate processing unit SPU keeps the holding operation of the clamping member26buntil the substrate S reaches the accommodation position inside the unloading cassette C2. After the substrate S reaches the accommodation position, the substrate processing unit SPU releases the holding operation of the clamping member26band moves the elevation member26ain the −Z direction. By this operation, the substrate S is accommodated in the unloading cassette C2.

In the description of the operations, the operations are sequentially performed on one substrate S located closest to the −Y side of the substrates S accommodated in the loading cassette C1, but in fact, the operations are continuously performed on multiple substrates S. In this case, the substrate processing unit SPU moves the cassette placing member20ain the −Y direction so that the substrate S located closest to the −Y side of the other substrates S accommodated in the loading cassette C1overlaps the loading position LP in the plan view while the loading cassette C1is placed thereon.

In the same manner, the substrate processing unit SPU moves the cassette placing member20ain the −Y direction so that the accommodation position closest to the −Y side among the accommodation positions inside the unloading cassette C2overlaps with the unloading position UP in the plan view while the unloading cassette C2is placed thereon. The substrate processing unit SPU repetitively performs the operations while moving the loading cassette C1and the unloading cassette C2as described above.

When the process is performed in parallel on the substrates S, the substrate processing unit SPU performs the process in parallel on the substrates S. Specifically, the process is performed on the substrates S in a manner such that the peripheral edge portion removal operation is performed on one substrate S while the application operation is performed on another substrate S and other substrates S are loaded or unloaded. When the process is performed in parallel in this manner, it is possible to maximally shorten the standby time of the substrate S and to shorten the process tact time of the substrate S.

When the process of all substrates S accommodated inside the loading cassette C1is completed, the loading cassette C1becomes empty, and all accommodation positions of the unloading cassette C2waiting at the standby position P8are filled with the processed substrates S. After this state is confirmed by the substrate processing unit SPU, the substrate processing unit SPU moves the cassette placing member20ain the reversed direction (in the +Y direction) and moves the loading cassette C1from the standby position P4to the standby position P2. Further, the substrate processing unit SPU moves the loading cassette C1moved to the standby position P2to the standby position P3by using the carrying arm20b.

In the same manner, the substrate processing unit SPU moves the cassette placing member20ain the reverse direction (the +Y direction) and moves the unloading cassette C2from the standby position P8to the standby position P6.

Further, the substrate processing unit SPU moves the unloading cassette C2moved to the standby position P6to the standby position P7by using the carrying arm20b.

Next, the operation of performing the maintenance of the nozzle portion NZ and the cup portion CP of the application mechanism CT will be described. When the application operation is performed multiple times, an impurity such as a solidified material of the liquid material or dust in the atmosphere is attached to the nozzle portion NZ or the cup portion CP. For example, the impurity may block the nozzle52to degrade the ejection characteristics or block the discharge path inside the cup portion CP. Further, in the ejection operation, the ejection environment of the nozzle52needs to be managed so that it is not changed. Accordingly, it is necessary to periodically perform the maintenance operation of the nozzle portion NZ and the cup portion CP.

In the operation of performing the maintenance of the nozzle portion NZ, the nozzle managing mechanism NM is used. When the nozzle52is cleaned, the substrate processing unit SPU moves the nozzle portion NZ so that the nozzle52accesses the nozzle managing mechanism NM. The substrate processing unit SPU fits the nozzle52into the nozzle locking portion57acorresponding to the impregnation portion57. By this operation, the front end portion of the nozzle52is impregnated with the impregnation liquid Q inside the impregnation liquid storage portion57b. For this reason, the front end portion of the nozzle52is moisturized by the impregnation liquid Q.

After the front end portion of the nozzle52is impregnated with the impregnation liquid, the substrate processing unit SPU separates the nozzle52fitted to the nozzle locking portion57aand moves the nozzle52to the discharge portion58. The substrate processing unit SPU fits the moved nozzle52to the nozzle locking portion58acorresponding to the discharge portion58. By this operation, the front end portion of the nozzle52is inserted into the discharge passage58c. In this state, the substrate processing unit SPU operates the suction mechanism58b. By the operation of the suction mechanism58b, the discharge passage58cand the impregnation liquid storage portion57bcommunicating with the discharge passage58care suctioned. By the suction operation, the impurity such as the cleaning liquid remaining in the nozzle52is removed.

After the suction operation, the nozzle52fitted to the nozzle locking portion58ais separated, and the nozzle52is moved to the preliminary ejection portion59. The substrate processing unit SPU fits the moved nozzle52to the nozzle locking portion59acorresponding to the preliminary ejection portion59. Next, the substrate processing unit SPU operates the drain mechanism59dand the suction mechanism59fand ejects the liquid material from the +Y-side end portion of the preliminary ejection member59bof the preliminary ejection portion59into the drain passage59c. In this state, the substrate processing unit SPU preliminarily ejects the liquid material from the nozzle52to the preliminary ejection member59b. Subsequently, the substrate processing unit SPU cleans the preliminary ejection member59b. By the series of preliminary ejection operations of the nozzle52, the ejection environment of the nozzle52is adjusted.

Next, the operation of performing the maintenance of the cup portion CP will be described. When the cup portion CP is cleaned, the second nozzle56is used. The substrate processing unit SPU allows the second nozzles56to access the +X side and the −X side of the substrate S instead of the nozzles52while the substrate S rotates when performing the application operation, and ejects the cleaning liquid from each second nozzle56to the substrate S. The cleaning liquid ejected onto the substrate S moves to the peripheral edge portion of the substrate S due to the centrifugal force of the rotation, and is scattered from the peripheral edge portion of the substrate S toward the inner cup CP1. The scattered cleaning liquid is accommodated inside the accommodation portion53through the opening portion of the facing portion53a. At this time, the substrate processing unit SPU may form a stream of the cleaning liquid inside the accommodation portion53by rotating the inner cup CP1and cleaning the inside of the accommodation portion53and the discharge path by the stream of the cleaning liquid. Similarly to the liquid material, the cleaning liquid is discharged so that the gas and the liquid are separated from each other at the trap mechanism55.

For example, the operation of cleaning the cup portion CP may be performed while the facing portion53aof the accommodation portion53is separated. Additionally, at the time other than the cleaning operation, for example, the facing portion53amay be separated to separately clean the facing portion53a, or the facing portion53amay be separated to perform the maintenance of other portions of the cup portion CP.

Next, the cassette carrying operation will be described which carries the empty loading cassette C1to the substrate loading unit LDU and carries the unloading cassette C2accommodating the processed substrate S to the substrate unloading unit ULU.

The operation of carrying the loading cassette C1will be described. The carrying operation is performed by using the cassette carrying device CC that is used for the above-described carrying operation. The carrying unit CRU moves the cassette carrying device CC up to the loading-side buffer mechanism BF1of the substrate processing unit SPU, and receives the empty loading cassette C1waiting at the standby position P3by using the cassette carrying device CC.

After the loading cassette C1is received, the carrying unit CRU moves the cassette carrying device CC toward the substrate loading unit LDU in the −X direction. After the movement, the carrying unit CRU places the empty loading cassette C1placed on the cassette support plate72on the +Y-sided end portion of the collecting belt11b, and retreats the cassette holding member74to the +Y side.

The operation of carrying the unloading cassette C2will be described. The carrying operation is performed by using the cassette carrying device CC as in the operation of carrying the loading cassette C1. The carrying unit CRU moves the cassette carrying device CC up to the unloading-side buffer mechanism BF2of the substrate processing unit SPU in the X direction, and receives the unloading cassette C2waiting at the standby position P7by using the cassette carrying device CC.

After the unloading cassette C2is received, the carrying unit CRU moves the cassette carrying device CC toward the substrate unloading unit ULU in the +X direction. After the movement, the carrying unit CRU places the unloading cassette C2placed on the cassette support plate72on the +Y-side end portion of the collecting belt61b, and retreats the cassette holding member74to the +Y side.

Next, the operation of collecting the empty loading cassette C1and the unloading cassette C2accommodating the processed substrate S will be described.

After the substrate loading unit LDU confirms that the empty loading cassette C1is carried thereto, the substrate loading unit LDU rotates the collecting belt11band carries the loading cassette C1to the outside of the substrate loading unit LDU through the cassette entrance10. This operation is repeated when the loading cassette C1is carried to the substrate loading unit LDU.

In the same manner, after the substrate unloading unit ULU confirms that the unloading cassette C2accommodating the processed substrate S is carried thereto, the substrate unloading unit ULU rotates the collecting belt61bto move in the −Y direction and carries the unloading cassette C2to the outside of the substrate unloading unit ULU through the cassette entrance60. This operation is repeated when the unloading cassette C2is carried to the substrate unloading unit ULU.

After the carrying unit CRU confirms that the standby position P1and the standby position P5are empty, the carrying unit CRU carries the next loading cassette C1and the next unloading cassette C2to the standby position P1and the standby position P5by using the cassette carrying device CC. First, the carrying unit CRU moves the cassette carrying device CC up to the substrate loading unit LDU to receive the next loading cassette C1. After the loading cassette C1is received, the carrying unit CRU moves the cassette carrying device CC up to the loading-side buffer mechanism BF1and places the received loading cassette C1at the standby position P1. In the same manner, the carrying unit CRU moves the cassette carrying device CC to the substrate unloading unit ULU to receive the next unloading cassette C2, and then moves the cassette carrying device CC to the unloading-side buffer mechanism BF2to place the unloading cassette C2at the standby position P5.

For example, when the loading cassette C1moves from the standby position P1to the standby position P2and the unloading cassette C2moves from the standby position P5to the standby position P6upon performing the application operation, the standby position P1and the standby position P5become empty again. The next loading cassette C1and the next unloading cassette C2may be carried to wait at the empty standby position P1and the empty standby position P5. In this manner, whenever the standby position P1and the standby position P5of the loading-side buffer mechanism BF1and the unloading-side buffer mechanism BF2become empty, the carrying unit CRU carries the loading cassette C1from the substrate loading unit LDU and carries the unloading cassette C2from the substrate unloading unit ULU.

As described above, according to the embodiment, the application mechanism CT is provided at the application position (the first position)50where the substrate S is disposed by the substrate carrying mechanism SC, and the peripheral edge portion removal mechanism EBR is provided at the holding position (the second position)90. Therefore, it is possible to independently set the process environment of the application mechanism CT and the process environment of the peripheral edge portion removal mechanism EBR. For this reason, it is not necessary to adjust the environment around the substrate S for each process, and it is possible to prevent a degradation of the throughput. Further, since the operation of ejecting the cleaning liquid to the substrate S is performed at the outside of the cup portion CP, it is possible to maintain the inside of the cup portion CP to be clean.

Further, according to the embodiment, since the peripheral edge portion removal mechanism EBR is provided with the suction mechanism83, it is possible to prevent scatter of the removed liquid material. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a change in the environment around the substrate S in the peripheral edge portion removal mechanism EBR. Since the suction mechanism83is provided with the suction port83cdirected toward the lower end portion of the substrate S, it is possible to prevent the removed liquid material from rising. Further, since the peripheral edge portion removal mechanism EBR is provided with the driving mechanism84elevating the accommodation mechanism81, it is possible to elevate the accommodation mechanism81in accordance with the position of the substrate S. Accordingly, it is possible to smoothly perform a series of operations in which the substrate S is carried to the peripheral edge portion removal mechanism EBR, the substrate S is processed, and the substrate S is carried to the other units.

Further, according to the embodiment, the cleaning liquid ejection mechanism82includes the cleaning liquid nozzle82cejecting the cleaning liquid, it is possible to efficiently remove the liquid material attached to the peripheral edge portion of the substrate S. Further, since the cleaning liquid nozzle82cis formed to be bent to eject the cleaning liquid from the center of the substrate S toward the outer peripheral portion of the substrate S, the ejection direction of the cleaning liquid nozzle82cis aligned with the direction of the centrifugal force acting on the substrate S. Accordingly, since it is possible to remove the cleaning liquid by moving the cleaning liquid toward the outer periphery of the substrate, it is possible to prevent the cleaning liquid or the removed liquid material from being attached to the center of the substrate S.

Further, according to the embodiment, since the accommodation mechanism81includes the end portion accommodation portion81daccommodating the lower end portion of the substrate S and the downstream accommodation portion81eaccommodating the downstream of the substrate in the rotation direction thereof rather than the lower end portion of the substrate S, it is possible to prevent scatter of the cleaning liquid or the removed liquid material at the lower end portion of the substrate S and the downstream of the substrate S in the rotation direction thereof rather than the lower end portion.

Further, since the end portion accommodation portion81dincludes the nozzle insertion portion81f, for example, the cleaning liquid nozzle82cmay be moved closer to the substrate S. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the process precision.

The technical scope of the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but may be appropriately modified within a scope not departing from the spirit of the invention.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the accommodation mechanism81includes the end portion accommodation portion81dand the downstream accommodation portion81e, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, as shown inFIG. 20, the accommodation mechanism81may include an upstream accommodation portion81jwhich accommodates the upstream of the substrate S in the rotation direction of the substrate S rather than the lower end portion of the substrate S. InFIG. 20, the upstream accommodation portion81jand the downstream accommodation portion81eare formed to be symmetrical to each other with the nozzle insertion portion81finterposed therebetween, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the upstream accommodation portion81jin the Z direction may be different from that of the downstream accommodation portion81e. Therefore, even in the upstream of the substrate S in the rotation direction thereof rather than the lower end portion of the substrate S, it is possible to prevent scatter of the liquid material or the cleaning liquid.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, as the configuration of supplying the cleaning liquid to the substrate S, a configuration in which the cleaning liquid nozzle82cis provided has been mentioned, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a dip portion immersing the substrate S in an area filled with the cleaning liquid may be provided. In this case, the entire peripheral edge portion of the substrate S may be immersed into the cleaning liquid by rotating the substrate S.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a second nozzle56is provided as a nozzle ejecting the cleaning liquid cleaning the cup portion CP, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the nozzle52may also be used as the cleaning liquid nozzle. In this case, a switching mechanism (not shown) may be provided to switch the supply source of the nozzle52to the liquid material or the cleaning liquid. Accordingly, it is possible to efficiently perform the maintenance without complicating the configuration of the device.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the position of the nozzle portion NZ is disposed at the −Z side of the rotation axis of the substrate S, and the liquid material is ejected along the direction of gravity. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the position of the nozzle portion NZ is disposed at the +Z side of the rotation axis of the substrate S, and the liquid material is ejected in the direction opposite to the direction of gravity.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the nozzle52, the second nozzle56, and the cleaning liquid nozzle82care bent, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the nozzle52, the second nozzle56, and the cleaning liquid nozzle82cmay be curved toward the −Z side of the rotation axis of the substrate S. Accordingly, it is possible to smoothly circulate the liquid material.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the nozzles52are disposed at the same position in the first surface and the second surface of the substrate S, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the nozzles52may be disposed at different positions in the first surface and the second surface. For example, the nozzle52may be disposed at the −Z side of the rotation axis of the substrate S at the +X side of the application position50, and the nozzle52may be disposed at the +Z side of the rotation axis of the substrate S at the −X side of the application position50. Of course, the arrangement at the +Z side and the −Z side may be reversed. The second nozzles56and the cleaning liquid nozzles82cmay have the same configuration.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the nozzle managing mechanism NM is disposed at the +Y side of each nozzle portion NZ, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the nozzle managing mechanism NM may be disposed at a different position if the nozzle portion NZ is within a movable range.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the substrate carrying mechanism SC is disposed at two positions inside the substrate processing unit SPU, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the substrate carrying mechanism SC may be disposed at one position or be disposed at three or more positions.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the substrate loading unit LDU includes a belt conveyor mechanism as the cassette moving mechanism11, but the invention is not limited thereto. Instead of the belt conveyor mechanism, for example, a fork member holding the engagement portion Cx of the loading cassette C1may be provided. For example, the fork member may have the same configuration as that of the cassette holding member74of the cassette carrying device CC. The engagement portion Cx of the loading cassette C1held by the fork member may move inside the substrate loading unit LDU. The fork member may also be used as the cassette moving mechanism61of the substrate unloading unit ULU.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the cassette placing members20aand22aand the carrying arms20band22bare used as the mechanisms moving the loading cassette C1and the unloading cassette C2at the standby positions in the loading-side buffer mechanism BF1and the unloading-side buffer mechanism BF2, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the conveyor belt may be provided in the loading-side buffer mechanism BF1.

In the same manner, even the buffer mechanism BF2may be provided with a moving mechanism which sequentially moves the unloading cassette C2in the order of the standby position P5, the standby position P6, the standby position P8, the standby position P6, and the standby position P7. As the moving mechanism, for example, a fork member holding the engagement portions Cx of the loading cassette C1and the unloading cassette C2may be provided. For example, the fork member may have the same configuration as that of the cassette holding member74of the cassette carrying device CC.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the loading-side carrying device SC1solely holds and rotates the substrate S, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the loading-side carrying device SC1and the unloading-side carrying device SC2may be disposed with the front and rear surfaces of one substrate S interposed therebetween and hold and rotate the substrate S. In this case, one of the loading-side carrying device SC1and the unloading-side carrying device SC2may actively rotate and the other thereof may passively rotate or both of them may actively rotate. When the front and rear surfaces of the substrate S are held by the loading-side carrying device SC1and the unloading-side carrying device SC2, it is possible to make the environmental state such as the air stream at the side of the first surface and the second surface of the substrate S substantially the same. Further, since the substrate S may be interposed, it is possible to rotate the substrate S even when the absorption of the substrate S is released. Since the state at both surfaces of the substrate S is adjusted, it is possible to prevent a difference in quality of the coating film applied to both surfaces of the substrate S.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the peripheral edge portion removal mechanism EBR is disposed only at the unloading-side carrying device SC2, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the peripheral edge portion removal mechanism EBR may also be disposed at the loading-side carrying device SC1(see the one-dotted chain line ofFIG. 1). With such a configuration, for example, it is possible to perform the application operation and the peripheral edge portion removal operation in both the loading-side carrying device SC1and the unloading-side carrying device SC2.

For example, the peripheral edge portion removal operation may be performed by the unloading-side carrying device SC2while the application operation is performed by the loading-side carrying device SC1. Conversely, the application operation may be performed by the unloading-side carrying device SC2while the peripheral edge portion removal operation is performed by the loading-side carrying device SC1. In this manner, since it is possible to perform the parallel process by allowing two substrate carrying mechanisms SC to alternately access the application mechanism CT, it is possible to perform the process efficiently and to further shorten the process tact time.

Further, as described above, when the loading-side carrying device SC1and the unloading-side carrying device SC2simultaneously hold and rotate one substrate S, the peripheral edge portion removal mechanism EBR may be provided inside the application mechanism CT. With such a configuration, the loading-side carrying device SC1and the unloading-side carrying device SC2may perform the application operation while holding and rotating the substrate S, and may perform the peripheral edge portion removal operation subsequently after the application operation. Accordingly, since it is possible to perform the application operation and the peripheral edge portion removal operation in one device, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the process. Further, since the application operation and the peripheral edge portion removal operation are performed in one application mechanism CT, for example, it is possible to load the next substrate S to be processed by the loading-side carrying device SC1while unloading one substrate S using the unloading-side carrying device SC2after the application operation and the peripheral edge portion removal operation for one substrate S are performed. Since it is possible to simultaneously perform the loading operation of the loading-side carrying device SC1and the unloading operation of the unloading-side carrying device SC2, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the process.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, for example, as shown inFIG. 18, a configuration has been described in which the stage80and the accommodation mechanism81are integrated with each other and the accommodation mechanism81is elevated along with the elevation of the stage80, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the accommodation mechanism81may be elevated independently from the stage80. In this case, for example, the driving mechanism84may be connected to the accommodation mechanism81, and the accommodation mechanism81may be separable from the stage80.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the cleaning liquid nozzle82caccesses the accommodation mechanism81, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the cleaning liquid nozzle82cmay be attached to the accommodation mechanism81(the first plate-like portion81a, the second plate-like portion81b, or the like). In this case, when the stage80or the accommodation mechanism81is elevated, the cleaning liquid nozzle82cis elevated together with the accommodation mechanism81.

Further, in addition to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, for example, a dummy substrate holding mechanism or the like (not shown) may be provided. The dummy substrate holding mechanism holds a dummy substrate which is used to clean the cup portion CP. As the dummy substrate, for example, multiple substrates having different dimensions are used. For example, the dummy substrate holding mechanism holds the dummy substrate in an upright position. The dummy substrate may have the same dimensions as that of the substrate S or have dimensions different from those of the substrate S.