Abstract:
An flat-panel display (FPD) manufacturing apparatus which has a configuration capable of easily processing large-size substrates while achieving easy manufacturing, transporting, operating, and repair processes.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a flat-panel display, and, more particularly, to a flat-panel display manufacturing apparatus which has an arrangement suitable to perform desired processes for large-size substrates.  
         [0003]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0004]     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a general flat-panel display (FPD) manufacturing apparatus is illustrated, which is used to manufacture FPDs such as liquid crystal displays and plasma display panels (PDPs). As shown in  FIG. 1 , the FPD manufacturing apparatus, which is designated by reference numeral  1 , includes a load lock chamber  100 , a feeding chamber  200 , and a processing chamber  300 , which are connected in series. A gate valve G is arranged between adjacent ones of the chambers, in order to independently maintain a vacuum atmosphere in each chamber.  
         [0005]     The load lock chamber  100  is connected to an external station, in order to receive a substrate to be processed in the FPD manufacturing apparatus for loading of the substrate or to discharge a substrate completely processed in the FPD manufacturing apparatus for unloading of the substrate. The load lock chamber  100  is repeatedly switched between a vacuum state and an atmospheric state, so that the load lock chamber  100  is selectively communicated with the external station. A loading die  102  is arranged in the load lock chamber  100 , in order to load one or more substrates on the loading die  102 .  
         [0006]     Aligners  106  are arranged around the loading die  102 , in order to correct the position of a substrate S load on the loading die  102 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . The aligners  106  correct the position of the substrate S by diagonally pushing the sides of the substrate S loaded on the loading die  102 . An exhausting device (not shown) and a gas supplier (not shown) are also installed in the load lock chamber  100 , in order to change the atmosphere of the load lock chamber  100  between a vacuum state and an atmospheric state.  
         [0007]     The feeding chamber  200  is connected between the load lock chamber  100  and the processing chamber  300 . The feeding chamber  200  is provided with a feeding robot  202  arranged in the interior of the feeding chamber  200 , so that the feeding chamber  200  serves as an intermediate passage for feeding a substrate between the load lock chamber  100  and the processing chamber  300  for loading/unloading of the substrate. The feeding chamber  200  is maintained in a vacuum atmosphere, so that the processing chamber  300  is maintained in a vacuum atmosphere.  
         [0008]     The processing chamber  300  is equipped with a loading die  302  to load a substrate in the processing chamber  300 , and a processing device (not shown) to perform a desired process for the substrate loaded in the processing chamber  300 . For example, an etch process is carried out in a vacuum atmosphere established in the processing chamber  300 .  
         [0009]     Such an FPD manufacturing apparatus may be of a cluster type in which a plurality of processing chambers  300  are connected to a single feeding chamber  200 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . In this case, the feeding chamber  200  may have a circular or polygonal shape such that a plurality of processing chambers  300  are arranged around the feeding chamber  200 .  
         [0010]     Meanwhile, recently-developed FPD manufacturing apparatuses include vacuum chambers having an extremely large size, for example, a width of 3 m or more, in order to process substrates having a large size of 2 m or more. For this reason, there is a problem in transporting such vacuum chambers from a manufacturing place thereof to an installation place thereof. In other words, such a vacuum chamber, which has a width of 3 m or more, cannot be transported by land, taking into consideration the road conditions of Korea and other foreign countries.  
         [0011]     Furthermore, where such a large-size vacuum chamber is manufactured in the form of a single body, it is necessary to use a large-size machining device for the machining of a metal material to form an outer housing of the vacuum chamber. In addition, the machining process is also difficult.  
         [0012]     Also, when it is necessary to repair structures installed in the interior of the vacuum chamber, in order to eliminate various problems generated during operation of the vacuum chamber, the top of the vacuum chamber must be opened. Where the vacuum chamber is manufactured in the form of a single body, however, it is difficult to open the top of the vacuum chamber. Furthermore, much labor is required. For this reason, it is impossible to easily repair the vacuum chamber.  
         [0013]     Due to an increase in chamber size, the footprint of the vacuum chamber in a clean room is also greatly increased. Therefore, it is necessary to provide an FPD manufacturing apparatus capable of efficiently processing large-size substrates without an increase in footprint.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0014]     It is an object of the invention to provide an FPD manufacturing apparatus which is capable of easily processing large-size substrates while achieving easy manufacturing, transporting, operating, and repair processes.  
         [0015]     In accordance with one aspect, the present invention provides a separable vacuum chamber of a flat-panel display manufacturing apparatus comprising: a top plate forming a top of the chamber; a bottom plate facing the top plate and forming a bottom of the chamber; a peripheral wall plate coupled, at upper and lower ends thereof, to the top plate and the bottom plate, respectively, to define a closed space, the peripheral wall plate having, at an end thereof connected to the bottom plate, an extension extending in a peripheral direction of the chamber inside the chamber to form a step on the bottom plate; a cover member arranged on the bottom plate to extend in the peripheral direction of the chamber inside the chamber such that the cover member covers the extension of the peripheral wall plate; and seal members interposed between the extension and the cover member and between the bottom plate and the cover member to shield the closed space from an outside of the chamber.  
         [0016]     In accordance with another aspect, the present invention provides a separable vacuum chamber of a flat-panel display manufacturing apparatus comprising: a top plate forming a top of the chamber; a bottom plate facing the top plate and forming a bottom of the chamber; a peripheral wall plate coupled, at upper and lower ends thereof, to the top plate and the bottom plate, respectively, to define a closed space, the peripheral wall plate having, at an end thereof connected to the top plate, an extension extending in a peripheral direction of the chamber inside the chamber to form a step on the top plate; a cover member arranged on the top plate to extend in the peripheral direction of the chamber inside the chamber such that the cover member covers the extension of the peripheral wall plate; and seal members interposed between the extension and the cover member and between the top plate and the cover member to shield the closed space from an outside of the chamber.  
         [0017]     In accordance with another aspect, the present invention provides a separable vacuum chamber used in manufacturing flat-panel displays, comprising: a chamber housing divided into at least two sections, wherein the vacuum chamber is formed by assembling the chamber housing sections, together with elements to be arranged in the vacuum chamber.  
         [0018]     In accordance with another aspect, the present invention provides a flat-panel display manufacturing apparatus comprising a plurality of chambers each adapted to perform a required process for a substrate, wherein at least one of the chambers comprises: a chamber housing having a gateway formed at a top of the chamber housing; a top cover mounted to the top of the chamber housing to open/close the gateway, and provided with one or more openings formed through the top cover in a thickness direction of the top cover; one or more auxiliary covers each mounted to the top cover to open/close an associated one of the one or more openings; and one or more seal members each interposed between the top cover and an associated one of the one or more auxiliary covers to provide a sealing effect between the top cover and the associated auxiliary cover.  
         [0019]     In accordance with another aspect, the present invention provides a flat-panel display manufacturing apparatus comprising a load lock chamber, a feeding chamber, and a processing chamber, to manufacture flat-panel displays, wherein the load lock chamber comprises: a vacuum chamber housing, in which vacuum can be established; an opening formed through a peripheral wall of the vacuum chamber housing to allow a substrate to pass through the opening for loading of the substrate into the vacuum chamber housing and unloading of the substrate from the vacuum chamber housing; a gate valve adapted to open/close the opening; and end effecter receiving grooves formed at a bottom wall of the vacuum chamber housing to receive end effectors of a substrate feeding robot installed outside the load lock chamber, respectively, each of the end effecter receiving grooves having a predetermined depth to allow an associated one of the end effectors to move vertically in the end effecter receiving groove.  
         [0020]     In accordance with another aspect, the present invention provides a method for loading a substrate in a load lock chamber, comprising the steps of: A) opening an opening of the load lock chamber, and inserting a substrate into the load lock chamber by use of a substrate feeding robot while inserting end effecters of the feeding robot into end effecter receiving grooves of the load lock chamber; B) lowering the end effecters of the feeding robot in the end effecter receiving grooves, thereby loading the substrate in the load lock chamber; C) horizontally moving the feeding robot, thereby ejecting the feeding robot from the load lock chamber; and D) closing the opening, and establishing a vacuum atmosphere in the load lock chamber.  
         [0021]     In accordance with another aspect, the present invention provides a flat-panel display manufacturing apparatus comprising a load lock chamber, a feeding chamber, and a processing chamber, wherein the feeding chamber comprises: a feeding robot comprising a feeding arm arranged at a lower portion of the feeding chamber, and a driver coupled to a lower end of the feeding arm, and seated on a bottom of the feeding chamber; a vertical driver arranged beneath the feeding chamber, and adapted to lift the feeding robot to a level of a door; a driver gateway formed at one side of the feeding chamber to allow the driver to pass through the driver gateway; and the door mounted to the feeding chamber to open/close the driver gateway.  
         [0022]     In accordance with another aspect, the present invention provides a flat-panel display manufacturing apparatus comprising an electric field generating system, a processing gas supplying system, and an exhausting system, which are arranged in a vacuum chamber, to perform a required process for a substrate loaded in the vacuum chamber, wherein the vacuum chamber comprises: a chamber body forming a side wall of the vacuum chamber; a top cover coupled to a top portion of the chamber body to form a top wall of the vacuum chamber; and a bottom cover coupled to a bottom portion of the chamber body to form a bottom wall of the vacuum chamber, wherein the chamber body is provided, at a lower end thereof, with an engagement rim horizontally inwardly protruded from the lower end of the chamber body to be engaged with the bottom cover, wherein the lower cover is provided, at a peripheral edge thereof, with an engagement groove having a shape conforming to the engagement rim.  
         [0023]     In accordance with another aspect, the present invention provides a method for repairing a flat-panel display manufacturing apparatus, comprising the steps of: A) separating a top cover from a chamber body by a feeding device; B) separating a bottom cover from the chamber body by the feeding device, and laying the bottom cover on a working die; C) repairing the bottom cover; D) coupling the bottom cover to the chamber body by the feeding device; and E) coupling the top cover to the chamber body by the feeding device. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0024]     The above objects, and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent after reading the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:  
         [0025]      FIG. 1  is a schematic view illustrating a layout of a general FPD manufacturing apparatus;  
         [0026]      FIG. 2  is a schematic view illustrating a layout of another general FPD manufacturing apparatus;  
         [0027]      FIG. 3  is a front view illustrating a separable vacuum chamber according to a first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0028]      FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  are enlarged views corresponding to a portion “A” of  FIG. 3 , respectively;  
         [0029]      FIG. 5  is a front view illustrating a structure of a stacked chamber included in an FPD manufacturing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0030]      FIGS. 6   a  to  6   d  are schematic views respectively illustrating various protrusion/groove type engagement structures applied to the stacked chamber of  FIG. 5 ;  
         [0031]      FIG. 7  is a plan view illustrating a coupled state of a separable vacuum chamber according to a third embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0032]      FIG. 8  is a plan view illustrating an exploded state of the separable vacuum chamber according to the third embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0033]      FIG. 9  is an elevation view illustrating structures of coupling surfaces of vacuum chamber sections according to the third embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0034]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view illustrating the structures of the coupling surfaces of the vacuum chamber sections according to the third embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0035]      FIG. 11  is a plan view schematically illustrating a coupled state of a top cover and auxiliary covers to a feeding chamber included in an FPD manufacturing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0036]      FIG. 12  is a transversal sectional view corresponding to  FIG. 3 ;  
         [0037]      FIG. 13  is an exploded perspective view illustrating the top cover and auxiliary covers arranged at the top of the feeding chamber included in the FPD manufacturing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0038]      FIG. 14  is a transversal sectional view illustrating a structure of a load lock chamber according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0039]      FIG. 15  is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the structure of the load lock chamber according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0040]      FIG. 16  is a flow chart illustrating a method for loading a substrate in the load lock chamber according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0041]      FIGS. 17   a  and  17   b  are sectional views illustrating a procedure for unloading a feeding robot from a feeding chamber included in an FPD manufacturing apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, respectively;  
         [0042]      FIG. 18  is a plan view illustrating the feeding chamber of  FIGS. 17   a  and  17   b;    
         [0043]      FIG. 19  is an elevation view illustrating a state in which the feeding robot is unloaded from the feeding chamber in the FPD manufacturing apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0044]      FIG. 20  is an exploded perspective view illustrating a structure of a vacuum chamber according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0045]      FIG. 21  is a schematic view illustrating a process for assembling and repairing a bottom cover in accordance with the seventh embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0046]      FIG. 22  is a flow chart illustrating a method for manufacturing and assembling a vacuum chamber according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0047]      FIG. 23  is a flow chart illustrating a method for repairing the vacuum chamber according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0048]     Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the annexed drawings. In the following description, elements respectively corresponding to those in  FIGS. 1 and 2  will be designated by the same reference numerals.  
         [0049]     &lt;First Embodiment&gt; 
         [0050]      FIG. 3  is a front view illustrating a separable vacuum chamber included in an FPD manufacturing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  are enlarged views corresponding to a portion “A” in  FIG. 3 , respectively. Although the illustrated vacuum chamber is applicable to any one of a load lock chamber, a feeding chamber, and a processing chamber, the following description will be given only in conjunction with the case in which the vacuum chamber is applied to a load lock chamber, for convenience of description.  
         [0051]     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the separate vacuum chamber according to this embodiment, which is designated by reference numeral  100 , includes a top plate  110  and a bottom plate  120 , which face each other to define the top and bottom of the chamber  100 , respectively, and a peripheral wall plate  130  coupled, at upper and lower ends thereof, to the top plate  110  and bottom plate  120 , respectively. Extensions  135  are formed at the upper and lower ends of the peripheral wall plate  130  such that the extensions  135  extend along the top plate  110  and bottom plate  120  inside the vacuum chamber  100 , thereby forming steps on the top plate  110  and bottom plate  120 , respectively, as shown in  FIGS. 3, 4   a  and  4   b . Although two extensions  135  are arranged at both ends of the peripheral wall plate  130 , respectively, in the illustrated case, a single extension  135  may be formed only at one end of the peripheral wall plate  130 .  
         [0052]     Thus, each of the extensions  135  extends from one end or each end of the peripheral wall plate  130  along an inner surface of the vacuum chamber  100  to form a step at the top plate  110 , bottom plate  120 , or each of the top and bottom plates  110  and  120 , as shown in  FIG. 4   a . Each extension  135  has three surfaces, that is, an outer surface or contact surface  135   a  contacting the top plate  110  or bottom plate  120 , an inner surface  135   b , and an end surface  135   c.    
         [0053]     In order to shield the interior of the chamber  100  from the outside of the chamber  100 , and thus, to effectively maintain the interior of the chamber  100  in a vacuum state, seal members  140  are arranged at the steps of the top plate  110 , bottom plate  120 , or both the top and bottom plates  110  and  120 , respectively, as shown in  FIG. 3 . Cover members  150  are also arranged at the steps of the top plate  110 , bottom plate  120 , or both the top and bottom plates  110  and  120 , respectively, to cover the extensions  135  under the condition in which each seal member  140  is interposed between an associated one of the steps and an associated one of the cover members  150 . Each cover member  150  is in contact with surfaces defining the associated step, that is, the surface portion of the associated extension  135 , the surface portion of the peripheral wall plate  130  formed with the extension  135 , and the surface portion of the top plate  110  or bottom plate  120  contacting the extension  135 .  
         [0054]     Each cover member  150  minimizes exposure of an associated one of the seal members  140  to plasma gas present in the chamber  100 , and thus, protects the associated seal member  140 . Preferably, each cover member  150  is in close contact with the peripheral wall plate  130  and the associated top plate  110  or bottom plate  120  while covering the associated seal member  140 . In the case of the cover member  150 , which is coupled to the bottom plate  120 , this coupling may be simply achieved, using the weight of the cover member  150 , as shown in  FIG. 4   a . However, it is preferred that the coupling of the cover member  150  to the bottom plate  120  be achieved, using fastening members such as screws or bolts, in order to obtain a higher coupling force. On the other hand, in the case of the cover member  150 , which is coupled to the top plate  110 , this coupling must be achieved, using fastening members such as screws or bolts, as shown in  FIG. 3 , in order to prevent the cover member  150  from being separated from the top plate  110  by the weight of the cover member  150 .  
         [0055]     As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4   a , each seal member  140  may comprise O-rings, which may be typically used in a general vacuum chamber. In accordance with the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, each seal member  140  comprises a pair of O-rings  140   a  respectively arranged on the associated extension  135  and the top plate  110  or bottom plate  120  where the extension  135  is arranged.  
         [0056]     The O-rings  140   a  of each seal member  140  may be separate from each other or integral with each other. In the case of  FIG. 4   a , the O-rings  140   a  of each seal member  140  are arranged on the associated extension  135  and a portion of the top plate  110  or bottom plate  120  positioned near the end surface  135   c  of the extension  135 , respectively, while being separate from each other. On the other hand, in the case of  FIG. 4   b , each seal member  140  comprises a pair of O-rings  140   b  respectively arranged on the associated extension  135  and the portion of the top plate  110  or bottom plate  120  positioned near the end surface  135   c  of the extension  135 , respectively, while being integral with each other. Where the seal members  140 , each of which comprises the O-rings  140   b  having an integral structure as shown in  FIG. 4   b , are used, it is possible to more effectively maintain the chamber  100  in a vacuum state.  
         [0057]     Although each seal member  140  has been described as comprising a pair of O-rings  140   a  or  140   b  respectively arranged on the inner surface  135   b  of the associated extension  135  and the top plate  110  or bottom plate  120 , where the extension  135  is arranged, while being separate from each other or integral with each other, as shown in  FIG. 4   a  or  4   b , the seal member  140  may have a structure in which the O-ring  140   a  or  140   b , which is adapted to be arranged on the extension  135 , is not arranged on the inner surface  135   b  of the extension  135 , but is arranged at the end surface  135   c  of the extension  135 , if necessary.  
         [0058]     In order to manufacture the separable vacuum chamber  100 , the bottom plate  120 , which constitutes the bottom of the chamber  100 , is first installed at a desired place. For simplification of description, the following description will be given only in conjunction with an assembly process carried out at one side of the chamber  100  where seal members  140  each having a separate O-ring structure are used. Thereafter, one O-ring  140   a  of one seal member (lower seal member)  140  is laid on the bottom plate  120 . In order to place the O-ring  140   a  in position on the bottom plate  120 , it is preferred that a seat, which is adapted to receive a portion of the O-ring  140   a , be formed at a portion of the bottom plate  120  where the O-ring  140   a  will be placed.  
         [0059]     After the placement of the O-ring  140   a  on the bottom plate  120 , the peripheral wall plate  130  is installed on the bottom plate  120  such that the outer surface  135   a  of the lower extension  135 , which is formed at the lower end of the peripheral wall plate  130 , comes into contact with the bottom plate  120 , as shown in  FIG. 4   a . As a result, a lower step is formed on the bottom plate  120 . Since no O-ring is interposed between the bottom plate  120  and the lower end surface of the peripheral wall plate  130 , contrary to conventional cases, it is unnecessary to form a seat adapted to receive a portion of the O-ring, at the lower end surface of the peripheral wall plate  130  contacting the bottom plate  120 .  
         [0060]     After the installation of the peripheral wall plate  130  on the bottom plate  120 , the other O-ring  140   a  of the lower seal member  140  is laid on the inner surface  135   b  of the lower extension  135  formed at the lower end of the peripheral wall plate  130 , as shown in  FIG. 4   a . In order to place the other O-ring  140   a  in position on the lower extension  135 , a seat, which is adapted to receive a portion of the other O-ring  140   a , is formed at the inner surface  135   b  of the lower extension  135 . Accordingly, the other O-ring  140   a  is laid on the seat formed at the inner surface  135   b  of the lower extension  135 .  
         [0061]     Thereafter, one cover member  150  (lower cover member) is arranged at the lower step such that the lower cover member  150  comes into contact with the peripheral wall plate  130  and bottom plate  120  under the condition in which the lower cover member  150  covers the O-rings  140  of the lower seal member  140  respectively laid on the upper surface of the bottom plate  120  and the inner surface  135   b  of the lower extension  135 . The lower surface of the lower cover member  150  has a particular shape such that the lower surface comes into contact with the extension  135  forming the lower step, and thus, engages with the extension  135 . The lower surface of the lower cover member  150  is also formed with seats to partially receive the O-ring  140   a  arranged on the inner surface  135   b  of the extension  135  and the O-ring  140   a  arranged on the upper surface of the bottom plate  120 , respectively. Thereafter, the lower cover member  150  is fastened to the bottom plate  120  by means of fastening members such as bolts or screws, in order to firmly couple the lower cover member  150  to the bottom plate  120 , and thus, to prevent movement of the lower cover member  150 , and to protect the O-rings  140   a.    
         [0062]     Thus, the lower structure of the chamber  100  is completely formed in accordance with the above-described assembly process. Using the same assembly process as the above-described assembly process, the upper structure of the chamber  100  is then formed. That is, the assembly process is carried out in the order of laying the top plate  110  on the peripheral wall plate  130 , arranging the upper seal member  140 , and then coupling the upper cover member  150 .  
         [0063]     &lt;Second Embodiment&gt; 
         [0064]     In accordance with this embodiment, at least one of the load lock chamber, feeding chamber, and processing chamber, which constitute an FPD manufacturing apparatus, has a vertically-stacked chamber structure including at least two sub chambers each coupled to one another, using various protrusion/groove type structures. In accordance with this embodiment, it is possible to provide an FPD manufacturing apparatus capable of achieving an optimal space efficiency, and thus, achieving a cost reduction and an increase in productivity, while obtaining a desired rigidity of the stacked chamber. Accordingly, this embodiment meets recent requirements to develop an FPD manufacturing apparatus capable of manufacturing large-size FPDs while exhibiting an increased productivity without an increase in the installation area caused by an increase in FPD manufacturing apparatus size.  
         [0065]     Although the stacked chamber according to this embodiment is applicable to any one of the load lock chamber, feeding chamber, and processing chamber, the following description will be given only in conjunction with the case in which the stacked chamber is applied to the processing chamber, for convenience of description.  
         [0066]      FIG. 5  is a front view illustrating a structure of the stacked chamber included in the FPD manufacturing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0067]     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the processing chamber  300  included in the FPD manufacturing apparatus includes at least two vertically-stacked sub chambers. In the illustrated case, the processing chamber  300  includes two vertically-stacked sub chambers  310  and  320 . In order to manufacture FPDs, the FPD manufacturing apparatus generally includes a load lock chamber, a feeding chamber, and a processing chamber. Taking into consideration process and space efficiencies, the chambers of the FPD manufacturing apparatus may have a stacked structure. That is, one, two or all of the three chambers, which constitute the FPD manufacturing apparatus, may have a stacked structure.  
         [0068]     Meanwhile, in the FPD manufacturing apparatus, the substrate processing time taken in the processing chamber is longest, as compared to the substrate processing times taken in the remaining chambers. Also, the processing chamber performs a great number of functions. For this reason, it is preferred that the processing chamber include a certain number of vertically-stacked sub chambers, in order to achieve an enhancement in substrate processing efficiency.  
         [0069]     For example, the processing chamber may include two vertically-stacked sub chambers. In this case, the load lock chamber and feeding chamber are driven to externally unload a substrate completely processed in one sub processing chamber and to load another substrate, to be processed, in the sub processing chamber while a certain process is carried out for another substrate in the other sub processing chamber. Thus, processes for substrates in both the sub processing chambers can be efficiently carried out.  
         [0070]     The number of vertically-stacked sub chambers may be two or more. Where two sub chambers are used, they may perform the same function or different functions, respectively.  
         [0071]     In the illustrated case, the processing chamber  300  of the FPD manufacturing apparatus includes two vertically-stacked sub chambers  310  and  320 , which are coupled to each other, using protrusion/groove type engagement structures respectively formed at contact portions  330  of the sub chambers  310  and  320 . Where the sub chambers  310  and  320  are coupled to each other, using the protrusion/groove type engagement structures respectively formed at the contact portions  330  of the sub chambers  310  and  320 , there is an advantage in that the overall height of the processing chamber  300  is reduced, as compared to the case in which the coupling of the sub chambers  310  and  320  is achieved without using the protrusion/groove type engagement structures respectively formed at the contact portions  330 .  
         [0072]     Furthermore, where the coupling of the sub chambers  310  and  320  is achieved without using the protrusion/groove type engagement structures respectively formed at the contact portions  330 , the sub chambers  310  and  320  may move with respect to each other. Of course, such movement may be prevented by coupling the contact portions of the sub chambers  310  and  320  by means of a soldering process. In this case, however, it is difficult to separate the sub chambers from each other when it is desired to replace one of the sub chambers with a new one. However, where the contact portions of the sub chambers  310  and  320  are coupled with each other using the above-described protrusion/groove type engagement structures, it is possible to firmly couple the sub chambers  310  and  320  without any movement thereof, and to easily separate the sub chambers  310  and  320  when it is desired to replace one of the sub chambers with a new one.  
         [0073]      FIGS. 6   a  to  6   d  are schematic views respectively illustrating various protrusion/groove type engagement structures formed at the contact portions  330  of the sub chambers  310  and  320  in order to firmly couple the sub chambers  310  and  320  and to optimize the overall height of the processing chamber  300 .  
         [0074]      FIG. 6   a  shows rectangular protrusion/groove type engagement structures,  FIG. 6   b  shows right-angled triangular protrusion/groove type engagement structures,  FIG. 6   c  shows semicircular protrusion/groove type engagement structures, and  FIG. 6   d  shows polygonal protrusion/groove type engagement structures. In accordance with such protrusion/groove type engagement structures, the contact portions  320  of the sub chambers  310  and  320  are firmly engaged with each other, so that the sub chambers  310  and  320  are firmly coupled to each other to be prevented from moving with respect to each other. On the other hand, when it is desired to separate the sub chambers  310  and  320  from each other, this separation can be easily achieved by simply vertically moving the upper sub chamber  320  away from the lower sub chamber  310 .  
         [0075]     The protrusion/groove type engagement structure may have various shapes to achieve easy coupling of the sub chambers  310  and  320 , and to reduce the overall height of the chamber  300 . Preferably, the protrusions and grooves of the protrusion/groove type engagement structure may have one selected from a rectangular shape, a right-angled triangular shape, a semicircular shape, and a polygonal shape.  
         [0076]     As described above, the sub chambers  310  and  320  of the chamber  300  having the above-described vertically-stacked structure may perform the same function or may perform different functions, respectively. Accordingly, it is possible to achieve an optimal space efficiency, and thus, an enhancement in productivity, and to obtain an enhanced process efficiency.  
         [0077]     As described above, it is possible to achieve an enhancement in process efficiency by constituting at least one of the load lock chamber, feeding chamber, and processing chamber of the FPD manufacturing apparatus by at least two sub chambers, which are vertically stacked. Also, the sub chambers are engaged with each other, using the protrusion/groove type engagement structures formed at respective contact portions of the sub chambers, so that the sub chambers have firmness and easy separablility. The processing chamber has a reduced overall height, thereby achieving an optimal space efficiency.  
         [0078]     &lt;Third Embodiment&gt; 
         [0079]     In accordance with this embodiment, a vacuum chamber having a separable structure to achieve easy manufacturing, transporting, and repair processes is provided, which is used to manufacture FPDs. For the separable structure, the vacuum chamber includes a chamber housing divided into at least two sections. Thus, the separable vacuum chamber is formed by assembling the chamber housing sections, together with elements to be arranged in the vacuum chamber.  
         [0080]     Although the separable vacuum chamber according to this embodiment is applicable to any one of the load lock chamber, feeding chamber, and processing chamber, the following description will be given only in conjunction with the case in which the separable vacuum chamber is applied to the feeding chamber, for convenience of description.  
         [0081]     Preferably, the separable vacuum chamber according to this embodiment is applied to the feeding chamber  200 , which functions to feed a substrate between the load lock chamber  100  and the processing chamber  300 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . The feeding chamber  200  requires an inner space wider than those of the load lock chamber and processing chamber, in order to allow free movements of elements arranged in the feeding chamber  200 , such as a feeding robot. As a result, the feeding chamber  200  may more severely encounter problems incurred in the case in which it is required to process large-size substrates. For example, although the size of the feeding chamber  200  must be sufficiently increased in such a case, it may be impossible to transport the feeding chamber having such a size. In order to solve such a problem, it is desirable to transport the feeding chamber under the condition in which the feeding chamber is divided into a plurality of chamber portions. For this reason, it is preferred that the separable chamber structure according to this embodiment be mainly applied to the feeding chamber.  
         [0082]     It is also preferred that the separable vacuum chamber  200  have a circular shape when viewing from the top of the separable vacuum chamber  200 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . In order to arrange a large number of processing chambers around the feeding chamber, it is desirable for the feeding chamber to have a circular shape, as compared to a rectangular shape or a polygonal shape such as a hexagonal shape. Where the feeding chamber has a circular shape, it is possible to freely form a desired number of processing chambers. Thus, in accordance with the present invention, it is preferred that the cross-sectional shape of the separable vacuum chamber  200  parallel to the ground have a circular shape.  
         [0083]     It is also preferred that the separable vacuum chamber  200  be divided into three sections A, B, and C, as shown in  FIG. 7  or  8 . In this case, it is also preferred that the chamber sections B and C have an arc shape having a central angle of 90°±10°, while facing each other. In this case, accordingly, the arc length of each chamber sections B or C is similar to the width of the intermediate section A.  
         [0084]     As shown in  FIG. 9 , a seal member receiving groove  212  is formed at the coupling surface of each chamber section. A damper  211  also extends radially outwardly from each coupling end of each chamber section, in order to firmly couple adjacent ones of the chamber sections.  
         [0085]     Each seal member receiving groove  212  has a desired depth, and extends along the coupling surfaces of the associated chamber sections. Adjacent ones of the chamber sections are coupled to each other under the condition in which one seal member  213  is interposed between the seal member receiving grooves  212  of the adjacent chamber sections.  
         [0086]     Where a vacuum chamber is formed by coupling the above-described chamber sections under the condition in which each seal member  213  is interposed between the seal member receiving grooves  212  formed at the facing coupling surfaces of adjacent chamber sections, it is possible to prevent ambient air from entering the vacuum chamber along the coupling surfaces and to prevent gas present in the vacuum chamber from leaking outwardly from the vacuum chamber. Thus, the seal members  213  function to seal the vacuum chamber.  
         [0087]     Preferably, each seal member  213  extends continuously along the coupling surfaces of the associated chamber sections, and is made of an elastic material such that the seal member  213  is slightly elastically compressed by the chamber sections when the chamber sections are coupled to each other.  
         [0088]     The dampers  211  function to firmly fasten the chamber sections of the vacuum chamber. In particular, the slight elastic compression of the seal members  213  can be achieved only when the chamber sections of the vacuum chamber are fastened by the dampers  211 . Thus, the coupling surfaces of the adjacent chamber sections can be completely sealed by the function of the dampers  211 .  
         [0089]     As shown in  FIG. 10 , each damper  211  is radially outwardly protruded from an associated lateral end of the associated chamber section. A plurality of uniformly-spaced clamping holes  214  are formed through each damper  211 . That is, each damper  211  extends radially outwardly from the associated lateral end of the associated chamber section such that the damper  211  forms an extension surface connected to the associated coupling surface of the associated chamber section. Each damper  211  has a desired thickness. The clamping holes  214  of each damper  211  extend throughout the thickness of the damper  211  while being uniformly spaced apart from one another along the damper  211 . Each clamping hole  214  is formed, at an inner surface thereof, with female threads adapted to be threadedly coupled with a clamping bolt  215 .  
         [0090]     As shown in  FIG. 7  or  8 , when adjacent ones of the chamber sections are to be coupled to each other, the clamping bolts  215  are threadedly coupled with the clamping holes  214  of the adjacent chamber sections, thereby firmly coupling the chamber sections.  
         [0091]     &lt;Fourth Embodiment&gt; 
         [0092]     This embodiment provides an FPD manufacturing apparatus in which at least one of the vacuum chambers included in the FPD manufacturing apparatus includes a top cover having a divided structure, that is, including a detachable auxiliary cover, in order to achieve easy transportation of the vacuum chamber.  
         [0093]     Although the vacuum chamber according to this embodiment is applicable to any one of the load lock chamber, feeding chamber, and processing chamber, the following description will be given only in conjunction with the case in which the vacuum chamber is applied to the feeding chamber, for convenience of description.  
         [0094]     As shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the feeding chamber  200  of the FPD manufacturing apparatus according to this embodiment includes a feeding robot gateway  232  formed at the top of the feeding chamber  200  to allow a feeding robot  220  arranged in the feeding chamber  200  to move outwardly from the interior of the feeding chamber  200 , for repair or replacement of the feeding robot  220 . The feeding chamber  200  also includes a top cover  240  to open and close the feeding robot gateway  232 .  
         [0095]     As shown in  FIG. 13 , the top cover  240  has a circular plate structure having cut-out portions at opposite sides thereof. The top cover  240  has a plurality of openings  244 , and reinforcing rims  242  upwardly protruded from the top cover  240  around the openings  244 . A seal member O, which may be an O-ring, is arranged on the top cover  240  inside each opening  244 .  
         [0096]     Preferably, the top cover  240  has two or three openings  244 , and each opening  244  has a rectangular shape. Of course, other numbers and shapes of the openings  244  may be used. A seat  246  is provided on the top cover  240  around each opening  244  inside the associated reinforcing rim  242 . An auxiliary cover  248  is seated on each seat  246  under the condition in which one O-ring, that is, seal member O, is interposed between the seat  246  and the auxiliary cover  248 , in order to generate a sealing effect between the seat  246  and the auxiliary cover  248 . Wire connecting rings  250  are fixed to the top cover  240  and auxiliary covers  248 , in order to connect the top cover  240  and auxiliary covers  248 , using wires, to a crane mounted to the ceiling of a clean room, in which the FPD manufacturing apparatus installed, and thus, to enable the top cover  240  and auxiliary covers  248  to be moved by the crane. Preferably, the wire connecting rings  250  are fixed to respective corners of the top cover  240 , to respective opposite sides of each reinforcing rim  242 , and to respective opposite sides of each auxiliary cover  248 . Transverse reinforcing members (not shown), each of which has a length identical to the width of each opening  244 , may be arranged at the top cover  240  along desired sides of the associated opening  244 , in order to prevent the top cover  240  from being twisted due to heat applied thereto.  
         [0097]     The top cover  240  may be made of stainless steel in order to obtain a desired rigidity and a desired durability, and thus, to prevent the top cover  240  from generating an excessive strain.  
         [0098]     Each auxiliary cover  248  may have a rectangular parallelepiped box structure. In this case, the rectangular parallelepiped box structure of each auxiliary cover  240  may be upwardly opened, in order to reduce the weight of the auxiliary cover  240 . As described above, a pair of wire connecting rings  250  are fixed to the upper end of each auxiliary cover  248  at opposite sides of the auxiliary cover  248 , respectively, to enable the auxiliary cover  248  to be moved by the crane. Each auxiliary cover  248  is made of aluminum so that the auxiliary cover  248  has a reduced weight.  
         [0099]     As shown in  FIG. 12 , the feeding robot  220  includes a feeding arm  224 . The feeding robot  220  also includes a driver  222  to supply a drive force to the feeding arm  224 . Although not shown, the feeding robot  220  further includes a robot housing, and an end effecter, on which a substrate to be fed is seated. When it is desired to remove the feeding robot  220  from the feeding chamber  200 , for maintenance and repair of the feeding robot  220 , the removal of the feeding robot  220  is carried out under the condition in which the feeding arm  224  and driver  222  of the feeding robot  220  are separated from each other, because the feeding chamber  200  has a limited height.  
         [0100]     The top cover  240  has a large size, and thus, a large weight, because the feeding chamber  200  has a large size so as to feed a large-size substrate. Accordingly, the top cover  240  must be divided into several sections to distribute the weight of the top cover  240  to those sections, and thus, to enable the top cover  240  to be moved by a crane adapted to move a limited weight. To this end, the top cover  240  according to this embodiment has the above-described divided structure, which includes a plurality of auxiliary covers  248 .  
         [0101]     Although the divided structure of the top cover  240  according to this embodiment has been described as being applied to the feeding chamber  200 , this structure may also be applicable to the processing chamber, which may be a plasma processing device, for example, a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) device, an etcher, or an asher.  
         [0102]     When it is desired to move the top cover  240  installed on the top of the feeding chamber  200  in the FPD manufacturing apparatus according to this embodiment, the auxiliary covers  248 , which constitute the divided structure of the top cover  240 , are sequentially moved by the crane mounted to the clean room under the condition in which the wire connecting rings  250  of each auxiliary cover  248  are connected to a hook included in the crane.  
         [0103]     Thereafter, the top cover  240 , which has a reduced weight in accordance with separation of the auxiliary covers  248  from the top cover  240 , is moved to a desired place by the crane under the condition in which the wire connecting rings  250  of each auxiliary cover  248  are connected to the hook of the crane. The feeding robot  220  is then outwardly moved from the feeding chamber  200 , for maintenance and repair. After completion of the maintenance and repair, the feeding robot  220  is again positioned in the feeding chamber  200  in accordance with a procedure carried out in the order reverse to the above-described procedure.  
         [0104]     The top cover  240  may be separated when it is necessary to perform maintenance and repair for the feeding robot  220  or other large-size inner structures arranged in the feeding chamber  200 . On the other hand, the auxiliary covers  248  may be separated when it is necessary to perform simple maintenance and repair for the feeding chamber  200 .  
         [0105]     Thus, in accordance with this embodiment, the top cover  240  has the divided structure including a plurality of detachable auxiliary covers  248  to distribute the weight of the top cover  240  to the auxiliary covers  248 , and thus, to enable the top cover  240  to be easily separated from the large-size feeding chamber  200 , using a crane having a limited capacity. After separation of the auxiliary covers  248 , the weight of the top cover  240  is correspondingly reduced, so that it is possible to move the top cover  240  by the crane without any overload applied to the crane.  
         [0106]     &lt;Fifth Embodiment&gt; 
         [0107]     This embodiment provides a load lock chamber having a simple structure, and thus, exhibiting a reduction in manufacturing costs and a reduction in the time taken to load/unload a substrate.  
         [0108]     As shown in  FIG. 14 , the load lock chamber  100  according to this embodiment includes a chamber housing  140 , openings (not shown), gate valves (not shown), and end effecter receiving grooves  150 .  
         [0109]     The chamber housing  140  defines, therein, a chamber in which vacuum can be established. Since the load lock chamber repeatedly and alternately establishes an atmospheric state and a vacuum state, the load lock chamber  100  includes a pumping device to establish the vacuum state in the load lock chamber, and a venting device to establish the atmospheric state in the load lock chamber.  
         [0110]     Two openings are formed at opposite side walls of the chamber housing  140  such that the openings face each other. One opening, which is formed at the side wall of the chamber housing  140  arranged adjacent to the feeding chamber  200 , is used as a gateway to load a substrate into the feeding chamber  200  and to unload the substrate from the feeding chamber  200 . On the other hand, the other opening, which is formed at the opposite side wall, is used as a gateway to load a substrate from the outside of the load lock chamber  100  into the load lock chamber  100  and to unload the substrate from the load lock chamber  100  to the outside of the load lock chamber  100 . Each opening is opened and closed by a gate valve. The gate valve has a structure capable of preventing a gap from being formed between the gate valve and the opening in a closed state of the opening, thereby maintaining the chamber to be in a sealed state.  
         [0111]     Each end effect receiving groove  150  defines a path, along which an associated end effecter E of the feeding robot moves to enter the load lock chamber  100 . The end effecters E of the feeding robot, on which a substrate is laid, enter the load lock chamber  100  under the condition in which the end effectors E are received in respective end effecter receiving grooves  150  while being lifted to a level, at which the substrate does not come into contact with a bottom wall of the chamber housing  140 . To this end, each end effecter receiving groove  150  is formed at the bottom wall of the chamber housing  140  in the form of a groove having a predetermined depth capable of allowing the end effecter E to move vertically in the end effecter receiving groove  150 . Accordingly, each end effecter E can move vertically in a state of being received in the associated end effecter receiving groove  150 . When the end effecters E move downwardly in a state of carrying a substrate, the substrate is laid on the bottom wall of the chamber housing  140 , so that the substrate is separated from the end effecters E. Under this condition, the end effecters E are outwardly retracted.  
         [0112]     Preferably, substrate protection members  160  are arranged on the bottom wall of the chamber housing  140  at regions where the substrate laid on the bottom wall come into contact with the bottom wall, as shown in  FIG. 14 . Where the substrate comes into direct contact with the bottom wall of the chamber housing  140 , the substrate may be damaged because the bottom wall of the chamber housing  140  has a hardness higher than that of the substrate. Accordingly, the substrate protection members, which are made of a material causing no damage to the substrate, are arranged on the bottom wall of the chamber housing  140 .  
         [0113]     Preferably, a substrate guide  170  is also provided in the load lock chamber  100  according to this embodiment. The substrate guide  170  functions to guide a substrate to be loaded at an accurate position in the load lock chamber  100 . In accordance with this embodiment, the substrate guide  170  is arranged along the edge of the bottom wall of the chamber housing  140 . The substrate guide  170  has a structure inclined toward a central portion of the load lock chamber  100 . Accordingly, when a substrate is loaded in the load lock chamber  100 , the substrate is moved to an accurate position in the load lock chamber  100  as the edges of the substrate slide along the substrate guide  170 . As shown in  FIG. 15 , the substrate guide  170  has a rectangular shape opened at one side to allow the end effecters E to access the load lock chamber  100  through the opened side. That is, the substrate guide  170  has a U-shaped structure having, at one side thereof, an opening to allow the end effectors to pass through the substrate guide  170 .  
         [0114]     Preferably, at least one loading die  180  is also arranged in the load lock chamber  100  according to this embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 14 . The loading die  180  functions to load a substrate S thereon. At least two loading dies  180  may be arranged in the load lock chamber  100 , in order to simultaneously load at least two substrates. A plurality of uniformly-spaced substrate support members  182  are arranged on each loading die  180  such that the substrate support members  182  are upwardly protruded from the loading die  180 . The substrate support members  182  are made of a material exhibiting a hardness lower than that of the substrate, in order to prevent the substrate support members  182  from damaging the substrate. The substrate support members  182  have a sufficient length to allow the end effecters E to move vertically in a state of being inserted into a gap defined between the associated loading die  180  and a substrate supported by the substrate support members  182 .  
         [0115]     Another substrate guide  170  is provided to perform a position correction for a substrate loaded on each loading die  180 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , this substrate guide  170  is arranged around the associated loading die  180 , and has an inclined structure having a lower end extending to a level lower than the upper end of each support member  182 . Of course, a separate aligner may be arranged in the load lock chamber  100  to simultaneously align a plurality of substrates loaded on respective loading dies  180 .  
         [0116]     Hereinafter, a method for loading substrates in the load lock chamber according to this embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 16 .  
         [0117]     First, step S 110  of introducing a substrate S into the load lock chamber  100  is executed. At step S 110 , one gate valve is driven to open one opening of the load lock chamber  100 . Thereafter, a substrate is introduced into the load lock chamber  100  through the opened opening, using the substrate feeding robot arranged outside the load lock chamber  100 . At this time, the end effecters E of the substrate feeding robot are inserted into the end effecter receiving grooves formed at the bottom wall of the load lock chamber  100 .  
         [0118]     Subsequently, step S 120  of loading the substrate S in the load lock chamber  100  is executed. At step S 120 , the substrate feeding robot is driven to downwardly move the end effecters E in respective end effecter receiving grooves  212  until the substrate S on the end effecters E is laid on the bottom wall of the load lock chamber  100 . Thus, the substrate S is completely loaded in the load lock chamber  100 .  
         [0119]     Thereafter, step S 130  of ejecting the substrate feeding robot from the load lock chamber  100  is executed. At step S 130 , the substrate feeding robot is horizontally moved until the end effecters E are completely removed from the load lock chamber  100 .  
         [0120]     Next, step S 140  of aligning the substrate S loaded in the load lock chamber  100  to accurately position the substrate S is executed. Where the substrate guide  170  is used, step S 140  is executed simultaneously with step S 120  because, when the substrate S is loaded on the bottom wall of the load lock chamber  100  at the substrate loading step S 120 , the substrate S slides along the substrate guide  170  arranged along the edge of the bottom wall of the load lock chamber  100 , and thus, moves to an accurate position. Of course, where a separate aligner is used, the substrate aligning step S 140  is executed independently of the substrate loading step S 120 .  
         [0121]     Finally, step S 150  of establishing a vacuum atmosphere in the load lock chamber  100  is executed. At step S 150 , the gate valve is driven to close the opened opening. The vacuum pump is then driven to vent gas present in the load lock chamber  100 .  
         [0122]     Meanwhile, when it is desired to load a plurality of substrates in the load lock chamber  100 , steps S 110 , S 120 , and S 130  are repeatedly executed until all substrates are loaded in the load lock chamber  100 . Thereafter, steps S 140  and S 150  are executed.  
         [0123]     &lt;Sixth Embodiment&gt; 
         [0124]     This embodiment provides a feeding chamber having a structure capable of allowing the feeding robot to pass through one side wall of the feeding chamber.  
         [0125]     In an FPD manufacturing apparatus including a plurality of chambers, the feeding chamber according to this embodiment functions to load a substrate into a selected one of the chambers, for example, a load lock chamber or a processing chamber, and to unload the substrate from the selected chamber. As shown in  FIGS. 17   a  and  17   b , the feeding chamber  200 , which is configured in accordance with this embodiment, is provided, at opposite side walls thereof, with gateways, and gate valves to open/close the gateways, respectively. Also, the top cover  240  is mounted on the feeding chamber  200 . The driver  222  of the feeding robot  220  adapted to feed a substrate is seated, at an upper end thereof, on the bottom wall of the feeding chamber  200  while extending downwardly through an opening formed at the bottom wall of the feeding chamber  200 . A seal member O such as an O-ring is interposed between contact surfaces of the bottom wall of the feeding chamber  200  and the upper end of the driver  222 .  
         [0126]     As described above, the feeding robot  220  mainly includes the robot housing, the feeding arm  224  mounted to an upper end of the robot housing and foldable within a predetermined length range, the driver  222 , which is mounted to a lower end of the robot housing, and the end effecters E, on which a substrate will be seated. When it is desired to remove the feeding robot  220  from the feeding chamber  200 , for maintenance and repair of the feeding robot  220 , the removal of the feeding robot  220  is carried out under the condition in which the feeding arm  224  and driver  222  of the feeding robot  220  are separated from each other, because the feeding chamber  200  has a limited height.  
         [0127]     A driver gateway  266  is provided at one side wall of the feeding chamber  200 , in order to allow the driver  222  of the feeding robot  220  to pass through the driver gateway  266  for installation of the driver  222  in the feeding chamber  200  and separation of the driver  222  from the feeding chamber  200 . A door  264  is also provided at the side wall of the feeding chamber  200 , in order to allow the feeding robot  220  to be removed from the feeding chamber  200  when it is desired to perform maintenance and repair for the feeding robot  220 . The door  264  is hingably mounted to the side wall of the feeding chamber  200  where the driver gateway  266  is formed.  
         [0128]     Extensions having a certain thickness extend inwardly from an inner surface of the driver gateway  266 , in order to enable a seal member O to be installed between the driver gateway  266  and a rear surface edge of the door  264 , and thus, to provide a sealing effect between the driver gateway  266  and the door  284 .  
         [0129]     Also, the seal member O, which is interposed between the contact surfaces of the bottom wall of the feeding chamber  200  and the upper end of the driver  222 , provides a sealing effect between the feeding chamber  200  and the driver  222 . A vertical driver  270  is also arranged beneath the driver  222  of the feeding robot  220 . The vertical driver  270  functions to upwardly move the driver  222  to a desired level when the driver  222  is removed from the feeding chamber  200 , and thus, to prevent the seal member O from being damaged during the removal of the driver  222 . The vertical driver  270  also downwardly moves the driver  222  to an original position when the driver  222  is loaded into the feeding chamber  200 .  
         [0130]     Preferably, the vertical driver  270  comprises a cylinder.  
         [0131]     As shown in  FIG. 18 , the feeding chamber  200  also includes guide members  272  arranged between the driver gateway  266  and the driver  222  of the feeding robot  220 . Each guide member  272  has the form of a rail. Auxiliary guide members  273  are hingably mounted to outer ends of the guide members  272 , respectively, such that the auxiliary guide members  273  extend and retract through the driver gateway  266  in accordance with hinging operations thereof. A sliding plate  274  is slidably arranged on the guide members  272 . The auxiliary guide members  273  may be slidably mounted to the guide members  272 , respectively, such that the auxiliary guide members  273  extend and retract through the driver gateway  266 .  
         [0132]     When it is desired to remove the driver  222  of the feeding robot  220  from the feeding chamber  200 , the driver  222  is first lifted and then laid on the sliding plate  274  slidably mounted on the guide members  272 . The auxiliary guide members  273  are then hinged such that they extend outwardly from the feeding chamber  200 . Under this condition, the sliding plate  274  is then moved along the guide members  272  and the auxiliary guide members  273 , as shown in  FIG. 19 . Thus, the driver  222  can be easily removed from the feeding chamber  200 . The loading of the driver  222  into the feeding chamber  200  can also be easily achieved in accordance with a procedure reverse to the above-described procedure. Normally, the auxiliary guide members  273  are maintained in a folded state. The auxiliary guide members  273  are unfolded in accordance with hinging operations thereof, only when the driver  222  of the feeding robot  220  is to be removed.  
         [0133]     A transfer means (not shown) may be arranged in rear of the driver  222  of the feeding robot  220  in the feeding chamber  200 , in order to transfer the driver  222  to the sliding plate  274 .  
         [0134]     Hereinafter, the procedure for loading the feeding robot  220  into the feeding chamber  200  and unloading the feeding robot  220  from the feeding chamber  200  in the FPD manufacturing apparatus according to this embodiment will be described with reference to  FIGS. 17   a ,  17   b , and  18 . When it is desired to unload the feeding robot  220  from the feeding chamber  200 , for maintenance and repair of the feeding robot  220 , the vacuum state of the feeding chamber  200  is first released. Thereafter, the door  264  is hinged to open the driver gateway  266 .  
         [0135]     The top cover  240  is then removed from the feeding chamber  200 , using the crane. Subsequently, the feeding arm  224  is manually separated from the driver  222 , and then moved to the outside of the feeding chamber  100 , using the crane.  
         [0136]     Thereafter, the vertical driver  270 , which is arranged beneath the driver  222  while being in contact with the driver  222 , is driven to upwardly move the driver  222  to a level where the driver  222  can pass through the driver gateway  264  without any interference, while preventing the seal member O adapted to provide a sealing effect between the bottom wall of the feeding chamber  100  and the driver  222 .  
         [0137]     Next, the driver  222  is transferred to the sliding plate  274  by the transferring means. Where the auxiliary guide members  273  are slidably mounted to the guide members  272 , respectively, such that the auxiliary guide members  273  extend and retract through the driver gateway  266 , the transferring means also outwardly slides the auxiliary guide members  273  from the feeding chamber  200  along the guide members  272 , as shown in  FIG. 19 . As a result, the driver  222  is removed from the feeding chamber  200 .  
         [0138]     Under this condition, maintenance and repair can be performed for the feeding arm  224  and driver  222  of the feeding robot  220 . After the maintenance and repair, the driver  222  is again loaded into the feeding chamber  200  in accordance with a procedure reverse to the above-described procedure.  
         [0139]     Thus, the feeding robot  220  can be loaded and unloaded through the driver gateway  264  formed at one side wall of the feeding chamber  200  under the condition in which the driver gateway  264  is opened by the door  266 . Accordingly, it is possible to achieve the loading and unloading of the driver  222 , even in the case in which the space defined between the feeding chamber  200  and the clean room is reduced due to the increased size of the feeding chamber  200 .  
         [0140]     &lt;Seventh Embodiment&gt; 
         [0141]     This embodiment provides a vacuum chamber, which includes a separable bottom wall, in order to achieve an easy installation of structures to be arranged at a lower portion of the vacuum chamber, an easy function test for the structures, and easy maintenance and repair for the structures, and a repairing method for the structures.  
         [0142]     Preferably, the vacuum chamber according to this embodiment is applied to the processing chamber  300  of the FPD manufacturing apparatus. In accordance with this embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 20 , the vacuum chamber  300  includes three sections, that is, a chamber body  330 , a top cover  340 , and a bottom cover  350 , which are independently manufactured.  
         [0143]     As shown in  FIG. 20 , the chamber body  330  has a rectangular box structure including four side walls. The chamber body  330  forms a side wall section of the vacuum chamber  300 , and defines the overall appearance of the vacuum chamber  300 . The chamber body  330  is provided, at desired portions thereof, with an opening  332  to allow a substrate to pass through the opening  332  for loading of the substrate into the vacuum chamber  300  and unloading of the substrate from the vacuum chamber  300 , and view ports  334  to allow the operator to observe a substrate processing procedure carried out in the vacuum chamber, using plasma, and the results exhibited in the substrate processing procedure.  
         [0144]     The top cover  340  is coupled to an upper end of the chamber body  330  while being in contact with the upper end of the chamber body  330 , thereby forming a top wall section of the vacuum chamber  300 , as shown in  FIG. 20 . An upper electrode and a process gas supplying system are arranged at the top cover  340 . Seal member receiving grooves are formed at respective coupling surfaces of the top cover  340  and chamber body  330 . A seal member O is interposed between the seal member receiving grooves. The seal member O provides a sealing effect between the coupling surfaces of the top cover  340  and chamber body  330  so that vacuum can be established in the vacuum chamber  300 . At least two seal members may be arranged to obtain an enhanced sealing effect.  
         [0145]     As shown in  FIG. 20 , the bottom cover  350  is coupled to a lower end of the chamber body  330  while being in contact with the lower end of the chamber body  330 , thereby forming a bottom wall section of the vacuum chamber  300 . The bottom cover  350  is formed with various holes, for example, a driving hole  352  for a lower electrode, a driving hole  354  for an inner vertical reciprocation pin, a driving hole  356  for an outer vertical reciprocation bar, and a vacuum pump connecting hole  358 . These holes correspond to positions where various elements to extend through the bottom cover  350  are arranged, respectively. That is, a drive shaft of a lower electrode driving module extends through the lower electrode driving hole  352 . An inner vertical reciprocation pin driving module, which is adapted to vertically reciprocate the inner vertical reciprocation pin near the lower electrode, passes through the inner vertical reciprocation pin driving hole  354 . An outer reciprocation bar driving module passes through the outer vertical reciprocation pin driving hole  356 .  
         [0146]     As shown in  FIG. 20 , an engagement rim  336  is horizontally protruded to a desired length from the inner side wall surface of the chamber body  330  along a region where the lower end of the chamber body  330  is coupled with the bottom cover  350 . The bottom cover  350  is engaged, at a peripheral edge thereof, with the engagement rim  336  in the chamber body  330 , so that the bottom cover  350  is coupled to the chamber body  330 .  
         [0147]     Preferably, the bottom cover  350  is provided, at the peripheral edge thereof, with an engagement groove  359  having a stepped shape conforming to the engagement rim  336 . Since the engagement groove  359  has a shape conforming to the engagement rim  336 , no gap is formed between the engagement surfaces of the engagement rim  336  and engagement groove  359  when the bottom cover  250  is coupled to the chamber body  330 . In particular, the engagement surfaces of the engagement rim  336  and engagement groove  359  have a stepped shape, so that plasma generated in the vacuum chamber  300  cannot easily leak from the vacuum chamber  300  between the engagement surfaces because the plasma exhibits straightness. It is more preferable that the horizontal surface portion of each engagement surface be inclinedly formed. In this case, when the bottom cover  350  is coupled to the chamber body  330 , the bottom cover  350  can be positioned at an accurate position without any position correction.  
         [0148]     Preferably, seal member receiving grooves are formed at the engagement surfaces of the engagement rim  336  and engagement groove  359 , respectively, as shown in  FIG. 20 . A seal member O is fitted between the seal member receiving grooves. The seal member O provides a sealing effect between the coupling surfaces of the lower cover  350  and chamber body  330  so that vacuum can be established in the vacuum chamber  300 . At least two seal members may be arranged to obtain an enhanced sealing effect.  
         [0149]     Preferably, a plurality of feeding device coupling holes  357  are formed at an upper surface of the bottom cover  50  along the peripheral edge of the bottom cover  50 , as shown in  FIG. 20 . The feeding device coupling holes  357  function to enable a feeding device, for example, the crane, to easily carry out an operation for lifting the bottom cover  350  when the bottom cover  350  is to be coupled to the chamber body  330  or to be separated from the chamber body  330 . Each feeding device coupling hole  357  has female threads to be threadedly coupled with male threads formed on an end of a feeding wire connected to the crane. Accordingly, the bottom cover  350  can be firmly connected to the crane, so that it is possible to easily raise the bottom cover  350 , using the crane.  
         [0150]     In accordance with this embodiment, coupling blocks  355  are preferably provided at the bottom cover  350 . The coupling blocks  355  are fitted in respective feeding device coupling holes  357  to block the feeding device coupling holes  357  after completion of a bottom cover assembling or repair process. Where the feeding device coupling holes  357  are maintained in an opened state in the substrate treating process using plasma, diverse particles may be deposited in the feeding device coupling holes  357 , or arc may be generated at the feeding device coupling holes  357  due to plasma. It is preferred that the coupling blocks  355  be fitted in respective feeding device coupling holes  357  such that the upper end of each coupling block  355  is flush with the upper surface of the bottom cover  350 .  
         [0151]     Now, the method for manufacturing and assembling the vacuum chamber in accordance with this embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 22 .  
         [0152]     First, step S 210  is executed to manufacture the vacuum chamber  300 , which includes the chamber body  330 , top cover  340 , and bottom cover  350 . At step S 210 , the manufacture of the vacuum chamber  300  is achieved by independently manufacturing the chamber body  330  forming the side wall portion of the vacuum chamber  300 , the top cover  340  forming the top wall portion of the vacuum chamber  300 , and the bottom cover  350  forming the bottom wall portion of the vacuum chamber  300 .  
         [0153]     Next, step S 220  of installing the chamber body  330  on a main frame (not shown) is executed. At step S 220 , the chamber body  330  is first laid on the main frame, and is then fixed to the main frame. In detail, the chamber body  330  is lifted, using the feeding device, and is then laid on a portion of the main frame corresponding to a position where the chamber body  330  is coupled with the main frame. Thereafter, the position of the chamber body  330  on the main frame is adjusted so that the chamber body  330  is accurately positioned. After the chamber body  330  is positioned at an accurate position on the main frame, the chamber body  330  is firmly fixed to the main frame so that the chamber body  330  cannot move.  
         [0154]     Thereafter, step S 230  of installing structures on the top and bottom covers  340  and  350  is executed. At step S 230 , the bottom cover  350  is first positioned on a working die spaced apart from the bottom of the chamber body  330  by a long distance to allow the structure installing process to be easily carried out. Under this condition, accordingly, it is possible to easily perform processes for installing structures such as the lower electrode driving module, inner vertical reciprocation pin driving module, outer vertical reciprocation bar driving module, and vacuum chamber. Also, it is possible to easily perform a functional test for each structure because a wide space, in which the functional test is carried out, can be provided.  
         [0155]     Subsequently, step S 240  of coupling the bottom cover  350  to the chamber body  330 , using the feeding device, is executed. At step S 240 , the bottom cover  350 , for which the installation of the structures and the functional test for the structures have been completed, is coupled to the chamber body  330 . In accordance with this embodiment, step S 240  is executed, using a method of lifting the bottom cover  350  above the chamber body  330 , lowering the bottom cover  350  into the chamber body  330 , and coupling the bottom cover  350  to the chamber body  330 . It is preferred that step S 240  comprise steps of: a) lifting the bottom cover  350  to a level higher than the chamber body  330 ; b) moving the bottom cover  350  to a position where the bottom cover  350  is positioned just over the chamber body  330 , and lowering the bottom cover  350  into the chamber body  330  such that the bottom cover  350  is mounted to the chamber body  330 . Also, it is preferred that step S 240  further comprise the step of c) firmly fixing the bottom cover  350  to the chamber body  330 . When the bottom cover  350  is coupled to the chamber body  330  in accordance with the above-described method, the coupling of the bottom cover  350  becomes firm due to the weights of the bottom cover  350  and the structures installed on the bottom cover  350 . However, it is more preferable that the fixing step be further executed, in order to more firmly couple the bottom cover  350  to the chamber body  330 , taking into consideration the fact that large parts of the structures installed on the bottom cover  350  are driven.  
         [0156]     Finally, step S 250  of coupling the top cover  340  to the chamber body  330 , using the feeding device, is executed. At step S 250 , the top cover  340 , on which desired structures have been installed, is coupled to the upper end of the chamber body  330 . Step S 250  is executed by lifting the top cover  340  above the chamber body  330 , lowering the top cover  340  such that the top cover  340  is positioned on the chamber body  330 , and firmly coupling the top cover  340  to the chamber body  330 .  
         [0157]     Thus, the assembly of the vacuum chamber  300  according to this embodiment is completed.  
         [0158]     Hereinafter, the method for repairing the vacuum chamber according to this embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 23 .  
         [0159]     First, step S 310  of separating the top cover  340  is executed. At step S 310 , the top cover  340  is separated from the chamber body  330 , using a top cover opening device included in the plasma-using substrate processing device or a separate feeding device, thereby opening the top wall section of the vacuum chamber  300 .  
         [0160]     Next, step S 320  of separating the bottom cover  350 , and laying the bottom cover  350  on the working die is executed. At step S 320 , the feeding device is first coupled with the feeding device coupling holes  357  of the bottom cover  350 . Under this condition, the feeding device lifts the bottom cover  350 , and feeds the bottom cover  350  to a place where the working die is located, and then lays the bottom cover  350  on the working die. Thus, the operator can perform a repair process for the bottom cover  350  on the working die. The working die is configured to maintain the bottom cover  350  at a level spaced apart from the ground by a considerable vertical distance so that the operator can easily perform the repair process in a state of entering a space beneath the working die.  
         [0161]     Step S 330  of repairing the bottom cover  350  and the structures installed on the bottom cover  350  is then executed. At step S 330 , a repair process is executed for parts of the structures to be repaired.  
         [0162]     Thereafter, step S 340  of coupling the bottom cover  350  to the chamber body  330  is executed. At step S 340 , the bottom cover  350 , which has been completely repaired, is moved to an original position in the chamber body  330 , using the feeding device. This step is executed in the order reverse to that of the bottom cover separating step S 320 .  
         [0163]     Finally, step S 350  of coupling the top cover  340  to the chamber body  330  is executed. Step S 350  is executed in the order reverse to that of the top cover separating step S 310 .  
         [0164]     Thus, the top and bottom covers  340  and  350  are positioned at respective original positions thereof, so that the repair process for the vacuum chamber  300  is completed.  
         [0165]     In accordance with the above-described embodiments of the present invention, various advantages and effects are obtained.  
         [0166]     That is, in accordance with the first embodiment, one seal member is arranged on the extension formed at each end of the peripheral wall plate of a chamber to maintain the chamber in a vacuum state, and one cover member is arranged on the seal member to cover the seal member. Accordingly, there is an advantage in that the life span of the seal member increases.  
         [0167]     When it is desired to replace the seal member with a new one, this replacement can be achieved by separating only the cover member without separation of the peripheral wall plate, top plate and bottom plate, which constitute the chamber. Accordingly, it is possible to easily achieve maintenance and repair for the chamber.  
         [0168]     In accordance with the second embodiment, at least one of the load lock chamber, feeding chamber, and processing chamber, which constitute an FPD manufacturing apparatus, has a vertically-stacked chamber structure including at least two sub chambers. Accordingly, there is an advantage of an enhancement in process efficiency, and thus, an increase in productivity. That is, where the processing chamber includes two sub chambers, there is an effect capable of simultaneously performing two identical processes or two different processes.  
         [0169]     Also, the coupling between the sub chambers is achieved, using the protrusion/groove type structures. Accordingly, it is possible to minimize the overall height of the chamber, and to obtain an increased coupling force of the sub chambers, and thus, to obtain an optimal space efficiency.  
         [0170]     Since the sub chambers are coupled to each other, using the protrusion/groove type structures, there are advantages in that it is possible to firmly couple the sub chambers, and to easily separate the sub chambers from each other.  
         [0171]     In accordance with the third embodiment, the vacuum chamber is not manufactured in the form of a singe body, but manufactured in the form of a plurality of chamber sections, which will be assembled to form the vacuum chamber. Accordingly, there is an advantage in that it is possible to easily transport the vacuum chamber, manufactured to have a large size, to an installation place. That is, where such a large-size vacuum chamber is manufactured in the form of a single body, it is impossible to transport the vacuum chamber, using a vehicle. However, where the vacuum chamber is manufactured in the form of a plurality of chamber sections, it is possible to easily achieve transportation of the vacuum chamber by transporting the chamber sections, each of which has a reduced width, as compared to the vacuum chamber. Of course, the vacuum chamber is completely formed by assembling the chamber sections after the transportation thereof to an installation plate. Also, there is no problem in establishing a vacuum atmosphere in the assembled vacuum chamber.  
         [0172]     Furthermore, where a vacuum chamber having a width of 3 m or more is manufactured in the form of a single body, it is necessary to machine a large-size metal body to form the vacuum chamber. For this reason, the machining means adapted to machine the metal body must also have a large size. The machining process is also difficult. However, such problems are eliminated in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0173]     In addition, there is an advantage of easy maintenance and repair in that the maintenance and repair process for damaged inner structures of the vacuum chamber can be carried out under the condition in which only a part of the chamber sections is separated from the vacuum chamber.  
         [0174]     In accordance with the fourth embodiment, the top cover arranged on the vacuum chamber has a divided structure including one or more detachable auxiliary covers, in order to distribute the weight of the top cover to the auxiliary covers in the procedure of separating the top cover from the vacuum chamber to allow the feeding robot to pass through the vacuum chamber upon loading or unloading the feeding robot, for maintenance and repair of the feeding robot. In the procedure of separating the top cover from the vacuum chamber, the auxiliary covers are individually separated from the top cover by the crane. Accordingly, the separation and assembly of the top cover can be achieved within a weight range allowable by the crane. Thus, the separation and assembly of the top cover can be easily achieved.  
         [0175]     In accordance with the fifth embodiment, it is unnecessary to arrange lift pins and aligners in the load lock chamber. Accordingly, there are advantages of a simple structure and a reduction in manufacturing costs. Also, the process for loading a substrate into the load lock chamber is simple. Accordingly, the time taken to load a substrate is reduced, so that the overall substrate processing time is reduced.  
         [0176]     In accordance with the sixth embodiment, the driver of the feeding robot can be loaded or unloaded through the driver gateway provided at one side of the feeding chamber, in the procedure of loading or unloading the feeding robot, for assembly, maintenance or repair of the feeding robot. Accordingly, it is possible to achieve the loading and unloading of the driver without using the crane. As a result, the time taken to load or unload the driver is reduced.  
         [0177]     Also, the unloading of the driver is carried out in a state of being lifted to a desired level by the vertical driver, which is arranged beneath the feeding robot in order to move the driver of the feeding robot to the level of the driver gateway while preventing damage of the seal member adapted to provide a seal effect between the feeding chamber and the feeding robot. The unloading and loading of the feeding robot driver can also be easily achieved by the guide members and the auxiliary guide members hingably or slidably mounted to the guide members such that the auxiliary guide members extend and retract through the driver gateway.  
         [0178]     In accordance with the seventh embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 21 , the working die J having a sufficient height t to enable the operator to perform a repair process in a state of entering a space beneath the working die J. Accordingly, the operator can easily perform an assembling process for structures to be installed on the bottom cover, and a repair process for the installed structures under the condition in which the bottom cover is laid on the working die J. Thus, it is possible to completely eliminate the difficulty encountered in executing the structure assembling process and the bottom cover repair process in conventional cases in which the height of the main frame from the ground is short. Since the operator can perform the structure assembling process and the bottom cover repair process in an upright state, the time taken to perform the structure assembling process and the bottom cover repair process is greatly reduced. In addition, there is an advantage in that it is possible to prevent accidents from occurring during the execution of the processes.