Patent ID: 12230510

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, the embodiment of the inventive concept will be described in detail with reference to accompanying drawings to allow those skilled in the art to easily reproduce the inventive concept. However, the inventive concept may be implemented in various forms, and is limited to embodiments described herein. In addition, in the following description of the inventive concept, a detailed description of well-known art or functions will be ruled out in order not to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the inventive concept. In addition, parts performing similar functions and similar operations will be assigned with the same reference numerals throughout the drawings.

When a certain part “includes” a certain component, the certain part does not exclude other components, but may further include other components if there is a specific opposite description. In detail, It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” or “including,” or “having” specify the presence of stated features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or the combination thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, components, and/or the combination thereof.

The singular forms are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In addition, the shapes and the sizes of elements in accompanying drawings will be exaggerated for more apparent description.

The term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of associated components. In addition, in the present specification, the wording “connected” indicates not only a direction connection between a member A and a member B, but also an indirect connection between the member A and the member B, as a member C is interposed between the member A and the member B.

The embodiments of the inventive concept may be modified in various forms, and the scope of the inventive concept should not be construed to be limited by the embodiments of the inventive concept described in the following. The embodiments of the inventive concept are provided to describe the inventive concept for those skilled in the art more completely. Accordingly, the shapes and the like of the components in the drawings are exaggerated to emphasize clearer descriptions.

A controller (illustrated) may control the overall operation of a substrate treating apparatus. The controller (not illustrated) may include a central processing unit (CPU), a read only memory (ROM), and a random access memory (RAM). The CPU executes a desired treatment process, such as liquid treatment or a drying treatment, depending on various recipes stored in a storage region. The recipe has a process time, process pressure, a process temperature, and various gas flow rates which are control information of a device for a process condition, which is input thereto. Meanwhile, the recipe indicating the program or the treatment condition may be memorized in a hard disc or a semiconductor memory. In addition, the recipe may be set at a specific position in a storage area while being received in a portable computer-readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM or DVD.

The substrate treating apparatus according to the present embodiment may be used to perform a photolithograph process form a circular substrate. In particular, according to the present embodiment, the substrate treating apparatus may be used to be connected to the exposure device to perform a coating process and a developing process. However, the technical spirit of the inventive concept is not limited thereto, but may be used in various types of processes of supplying a treatment liquid to a substrate while rotating the substrate. The following description will be made while focusing on that a wafer is used as a substrate.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the inventive concept will be described with reference toFIGS.1to18.

FIG.1is a perspective view schematically illustrating a substrate treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the inventive concept,FIG.2is a cross-sectional view of a substrate treating apparatus, which illustrates a coating block or a developing block ofFIG.1, andFIG.3is a plan view of a substrate treating apparatus ofFIG.1.

Referring toFIGS.1to3, according to an embodiment of the inventive concept, a substrate treating apparatus1includes an index module20, a treating module30, and an interface module40. According to an embodiment, the index module20, the treating module30, and the interface module40are sequentially aligned in line with each other. Hereinafter, a direction in which the index module20, the treating module30, and the interface module40are arranged will be referred to as a first direction12, a direction that is perpendicular to the first direction12when viewed from above will be referred to as a second direction14, and a direction perpendicular to all the first direction12and the second direction14will be referred to as a third direction16.

The index module20transfers a substrate ‘W’ to the treating module30from a container10in which the substrate ‘W’ is received, and a substrate ‘W’ completely treated is received into the container10. The longitudinal direction of the index module20is provided in the second direction14. The index module20has a loadport22and an index frame24. The loadport22is positioned at an opposite side of the treating module30, based on the index frame24. The container10having substrates ‘W’ are placed on the loadport22. A plurality of load ports22may be provided and may be arranged in the second direction14.

The container10may include a container10for sealing such as a front open unified pod (FOUP). The container10may be placed on the loadport22by a transport unit (not illustrated) such as Overhead Transfer, Overhead Conveyor, or Automatic Guided Vehicle, or a worker.

An index robot2200is provided inside the index frame24. A guide rail2300, which has a longitudinal direction provided in the second direction14, may be provided in the index frame24, and the index robot2200may be provided to be movable on the guide rail2300The index robot2200may include a hand2220in which the substrate ‘W’ is positioned, and the hand2220may be provided to be movable forward and backward, rotatable about the third direction16, and movable in the third direction16.

The treating module30performs coating and developing processes with respect to the substrate ‘W’. The treating module30has a coating block30aand a developing block30b. The coating block30aforms a coating process with respect to the substrate ‘W’, and the developing block30bperforms a developing process with respect to the substrate ‘W’. A plurality of coating blocks30aare provided and stacked on each other. A plurality of developing blocks30bare provided, and stacked on each other. According to an embodiment ofFIG.1, two coating blocks30aare provided and two developing blocks30bare provided. The coating blocks30amay be disposed under the developing blocks30b. According to an example, two coating blocks30amay be subject to the same process and may be provided in the same structure. In addition, two developing blocks30amay be subject to the same process and may be provided in the same structure.

Referring toFIG.3, the coating block30ahas a heat treating chamber3200, a transferring chamber3400, a liquid treating chamber3600, and a buffer chamber3800. The heat treating chamber3200performs a heat treatment process with respect to the substrate ‘W’. The heat treatment process may include a cooling process and a heating process. The liquid treating chamber3600supplies a liquid onto the substrate ‘W’ to form a liquid film. The liquid film may be a photoresist film or an anti-reflective film. The transferring chamber3400transfers the substrate ‘W’ between the heat treating chamber3200and the liquid treating chamber3600inside the coating block30a.

The transferring chamber3400has a longitudinal direction parallel to the first direction12. A transferring robot3422is provided in the transferring chamber3400. The transferring robot3422transfers the substrate ‘W’ among the heat treating chamber3200, the liquid treating chamber3600, and the buffer chamber3800. According to an example, the transferring robot3422may include a hand3420in which the substrate ‘W’ is positioned, and the hand3420may be provided to be movable forward and backward, rotatable about the third direction16, and movable in the third direction16. A guide rail3300, which has a longitudinal direction parallel to the second direction12, is provided in the transferring chamber3400, and the transferring robot3422may be provided to be movable on the guide rail3300.

FIG.4is a view illustrating a hand of a transferring unit ofFIG.3.

Referring toFIG.4, the hand3420has a base3428and a supporting protrusion3429. The base3428may have an annular ring shape in which a part of the circumference is bent. The base3428has an inner diameter greater than the diameter of the substrate ‘W’. The supporting protrusion3429extends inward from the base3428. A plurality of supporting protrusions3429are provided to support an edge area of the substrate ‘W’. According to an example, four supporting protrusions3429may be provided at equal distances.

A plurality of heat treating chambers3200are provided. The heat treating chambers3200are arranged in the first direction12. The heat treating chambers3200are positioned at one side of the transferring chamber3400.

FIG.5is a plan view schematically illustrating a heat treating chamber ofFIG.3, andFIG.6is a front view illustrating the heat treating chamber ofFIG.5.

Referring toFIGS.5and6, the heat treating chamber3200has a housing3210, a cooling unit3220, a heating unit3230, and a transferring plate3240.

The housing3210substantially has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The housing3210is formed in a sidewall thereof with an entrance (not illustrated) to introduce or withdraw the substrate ‘W’. The entrance may be maintained in an open sate. A door (not illustrated) may be provided to selectively open or close the entrance. The cooling unit3220, the heating unit3230, and the transferring plate3240are provided in the housing3210. The cooling unit3220and the heating unit3230are provided side by side along the second direction14. According to an embodiment, the cooling unit3220may be positioned more closely to the transferring chamber3400than the heating unit3230.

The cooling unit3220has a cooling plate3222. The cooling plate3222may have a substantially circular shape when viewed from above. The cooling plate3222has a cooling member3224. According to an embodiment, the cooling member3224may be formed inside the cooling plate3222to serve as a fluid passage through which a cooling fluid flows.

The heating unit3230has a heating plate3232, a cover3234, and a heater3233. The heating plate3232may have a substantially circular shape when viewed from above. The heating plate3232may has a diameter larger than that of the substrate ‘W’. The heater3233is placed in the heating plate3232. The heater3233may be provided in the form of a heating resistor to which a current is applied. Lift pints3238are provided on the heating plate3232to be driven vertically along the third direction16. The lift pin3238receives the substrate ‘W’ from the transfer unit outside the heating unit3230to place the substrate ‘W’ on the heating plate3232or lifts the substrate ‘W’ from the heating plate3232to transmit the substrate ‘W’ to the transfer unit outside the heating unit3230. According to an embodiment, three lift pins3238may be provided. The cover3234has an inner space having an open lower portion. The cover3234is positioned at an upper portion of the heating plate3232and moved in a vertical direction by a driver3236. When the cover3234makes contact with the heating plate3232, the space surrounded by the cover3234and the heating plate3232are provided as a heating space for heating the substrate ‘W’.

The transferring plate3240is provided in the shape of a substantially circular plate, and has a diameter corresponding to that of the substrate ‘W’. A notch3244is formed in an edge of the transferring plate3240. The notch3244may have the shape corresponding to the protrusion3429formed on the hand3420of the transferring robot3422. In addition, notches3244may be provided in number corresponding to the number of protrusions3429formed in the hand3420and may be formed at positions corresponding to the protrusions3429. When the vertical positions of the hand3420and the transferring plate3240are changed in the state that the hand3420and the transferring plate3240are aligned in the vertical direction, the substrate ‘W’ is transferred between the hand3420and the transferring plate3240. The transferring plate3240may be mounted on the guide rail3249, and may move along the guide rail3249by a driver3246. A plurality of guide grooves3242are provided in the shape of a slit in the transferring plate3240. The guide groove3242extends from an end portion of the transferring plate3240to an inner part of the transferring plate3240. The longitudinal direction of the guide groove3242is provided in the second direction14, and the guide grooves3242are positioned to be spaced apart from each other in the first direction12. The guide groove3242prevents the interference between the transferring plate3240and the lift pin3238, when the substrate ‘W’ is transferred between the transferring plate3240and the heating unit3230

The heating of the substrate ‘W’ is achieved when the substrate ‘W’ is directly placed on the heating plate3232, and the cooling of the substrate ‘W’ is achieved in the state that the transferring plate3240having the substrate ‘W’ makes contact with the cooling plate3222. The transferring plate3240is formed of a material having a higher heat transfer coefficient such that heat is smoothly transferred between the cooling plate3222and the substrate ‘W’. According to an embodiment, the transferring plate3240may be formed of a metal material.

Heating units3230provided in some of the heat treating chambers3200may improve the attachment rate of the photoresist to the substrate ‘W’ by feeding gas during the heating of the substrate ‘W’. According to an example, the gas may include hexamethyldisilane gas.

A plurality of liquid treating chambers3600are provided. Some of the liquid treating chambers3600may be provided to be stacked on each other. The heat treating chambers3600are positioned at one side of the transferring chamber3400. The liquid treating chambers3600are aligned in line with each other in the first direction12. Some of the liquid treating chambers3600are provided in a position close to the index module20. Hereinafter, these liquid treating chambers3602are referred to as front liquid treating chambers. Others of the liquid treating chambers3600are provided in a position close to the interface module40. Hereinafter, these liquid treating chambers are referred to as rear liquid treating chambers3604.

A first liquid is applied onto the substrate ‘W’ in the front liquid treating chamber3602, and a second liquid is applied to the substrate ‘W’ in the rear liquid treating chamber3604. The first liquid may be different from the second liquid. According to an embodiment, the first liquid is an anti-reflective liquid, and the second liquid is photoresist. The photoresist may be applied on the substrate ‘W’ having an anti-reflective film. Alternatively, the first liquid may be photoresist and the second liquid may be an anti-reflective liquid. In this case, the anti-reflective liquid may be coated onto the substrate ‘W’ coated with photoresist. Alternatively, the first liquid and the second liquid may be the same type of liquids, and all the first liquid and the second liquid may be photoresist.

Referring back toFIGS.2and3, a plurality of buffer chambers3800are provided. Some of buffer chambers3800are interposed between the index module20and the transferring chamber3400. Hereinafter, the buffer chamber is referred to as a front buffer3802. A plurality of front buffers3802are provided and stacked on each other in the vertical direction. Others of the buffer chambers3800are interposed between the transferring chamber3400and the interface module40. The buffer chambers are referred to as a rear buffer3804. A plurality of front buffers3804are provided and stacked on each other in the vertical direction. The front buffers3802and the rear buffers3804temporarily store a plurality of substrates ‘W’. The substrate ‘W’ stored in the front buffer3802is introduced and withdrawn by the index robot2200, the transferring robot3422, and a first robot4602. The substrate ‘W’ stored in the rear buffer3804is introduced and withdrawn by the transferring robot3422.

The developing block30bhas the heat treating chamber3200, the transferring chamber3400, and the liquid treating chamber3600. The heat treating chamber3200, and the transfer chamber3400in the developing block30bhave the structures and the arrangement substantially similar to those of the heat treating chamber3200and the transferring chamber3400in the coating block30a, so the details thereof will be omitted.

All the liquid treating chambers3600in the developing block30bsupply the same developing liquid such that the substrate ‘W’ is subject to the developing treatment.

The interface module40connects the treating module30with an external exposing device50. The interface module40has an interface frame4100, an additional process chamber4200, an interface buffer4400, and a transferring member4600.

A fan filter unit may be provided on the upper end of the interface frame4100to form a descending air stream in the interface frame4100. The additional process chamber4200, the interface buffer4400, and the transferring member4600are provided inside the interface frame4100. The substrate ‘W’ subject to the process in the coating block30amay be subject to a specific additional process in the additional process chamber4200before introduced into the exposing device50. Alternatively, the substrate ‘W’ subject to the process in the exposing device50may be subject to a predetermined additional process in the additional process chamber4200before introduced into the developing block30b. According to an embodiment, the additional process may be an edge exposing process to expose an edge area of the substrate ‘W’, a top surface cleaning process to clean the top surface of the substrate ‘W’, or a bottom surface cleaning process to clean the bottom surface of the substrate ‘W’. A plurality of additional process chambers4200may be provided and may be provided to be stacked on each other. All the additional process chambers4200may be provided to perform the same process. Alternatively, some of the additional process chambers4200may be provided to perform mutually different processes.

The interface buffer4400provides a space to temporarily stay the substrate ‘W’, which is transferred among the interface buffer4400, the coating block30a, the additional process chamber4200, the exposing device50, and the developing block30b. A plurality of interface buffers4400are provided and may be provided to be stacked on each other.

According to an embodiment, when viewed based on a line extending in the lengthwise direction of the transferring chamber3400, the additional process chamber4200may be disposed at one side, and the interface buffer4400may be disposed at an opposite side.

The transferring member4600transfers the substrate ‘W’ among the coating block30a, the additional process chamber4200, the exposing device50, and the developing block30b. The transferring member4600may be provided with one or a plurality of robots. According to an embodiment, the transferring member4600has the first robot4602and the second robot4606. The first robot4602may be provided to transfer the substrate ‘W’ among the coating block30a, the additional process chamber4200, and the interface buffer4400, and the second robot4606may be provided to transfer the substrate ‘W’ between the interface buffer4400and the exposing device50, or between the interface buffer4400and the developing block30b.

The first robot4602and the second robot4606may include hands in which the substrate ‘W’ is placed, and the hands may be provided to be movable forward and backward, rotatable about an axis parallel to the third direction16, and movable in the third direction16.

The hands of the index robot2200, the first robot4602, and the second robot4606may all have the same shape as the hand3420of the transferring robot3422. Alternatively, the hand of the robot to directly transfer and receive the substrate ‘W’ together with the transferring plate3240of the heat treating chamber are provided in the same shapes as those of the hand3420of the transferring robot3422, and the hand of the remaining robot may be provided in the shape different from the shapes.

According to an embodiment, the index robot2200may be provided to directly transmit and receive the substrate ‘W’ together with the heating unit3230of a front heat treating chamber3200provided in the coating block30a.

In addition, the transferring robot3342provided in the coating block30aand the developing block30bmay be provided to directly exchange the substrate ‘W’ with the transfer plate3240positioned in the heat treating chamber3200.

The following description will be made in detail regarding the structure of the substrate treating apparatus to treat the substrate by supplying the treatment liquid onto the substrate rotating in process chambers according to the inventive concept. In The following description will be described regarding that the substrate treating apparatus is an apparatus to apply photoresist, by way of example. However, the substrate treating apparatus may be an apparatus to form a film, such as a protective film or an anti-reflective film, on the substrate ‘W’ rotating. Alternatively, the substrate treating apparatus may be an apparatus to supply a treatment liquid, such as a developing liquid, to the substrate ‘W’.

FIG.7is a view schematically illustrating the liquid treating chamber ofFIG.3.FIG.8is a perspective view illustrating nozzles ofFIG.7.FIG.9is a plan view illustrating the liquid treating chamber ofFIG.7.

Referring toFIG.7, the liquid treating chamber3600has a housing3610, a cup3620, a substrate supporting unit3640, a liquid supplying unit1000, and a standby port5000. The housing3610has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The housing3610is formed in a sidewall thereof with an entrance (not illustrated) to introduce or withdraw the substrate ‘W’. The entrance may be open by a door (not illustrated). The cup3620, the substrate supporting unit3640, the liquid supplying unit1000, and the standby port5000are provided in the housing3610. A fan filter unit3670may be provided on a top wall of the housing3610to form a descending air flow inside the housing3260. The cup3620has a treating space having an open upper portion. The substrate supporting unit3640is provided in the treating space to support the substrate ‘W’. The substrate supporting unit3640is provided such that the substrate ‘W’ is rotatable during the liquid treatment. The liquid supplying unit1000supplies liquid to the substrate ‘W’ supported by the substrate supporting unit3640.

The liquid supplying unit1000includes a plurality of nozzles1100. Each of a plurality of nozzles1100supplies a different type of treatment liquids. Mutually independent liquid supplying pipes are connected to the nozzles1100. The nozzles1100move between a standby position and a process position to supply the treatment liquid. The process position is a position at which the nozzles1100may discharge the treatment liquid to the center of the substrate ‘W’, and the standby position is a position at which the nozzles1100stand by in the standby port5000. For example, the treatment liquid may be a photosensitive liquid such as a photoresist.

The standby port5000provides a space for the nozzles1100to stand by at one side of a treating container. The nozzles1100stand by at the standby port5000, before and after performing the liquid treatment process. The standby port5000cleans the nozzles1100and prevents the treatment liquid remaining in a discharge end of the nozzles1100from being hardened, while the nozzles1100are standing by.

FIG.10is a perspective view of a standby port according to an embodiment of the inventive concept,FIG.11is an exploded perspective view of a standby port according to an embodiment of the inventive concept,FIG.12is a cross-sectional view when the nozzle receiving member ofFIG.10is viewed from one side,FIG.13is a cross-sectional view illustrating the nozzle receiving member ofFIG.10when viewed from an opposite side,FIG.14is a bottom view illustrating the nozzle receiving member ofFIG.10when viewed from the bottom, andFIG.15is a sectional view illustrating a nozzle cleaning unit of the nozzle receiving member ofFIG.10.

Referring toFIGS.7and9, the standby port5000is disposed in the housing3610. The standby port5000is disposed outside the cup3620in the housing3610. The standby port5000is provided at a position corresponding to the standby positions of the nozzles1100. The standby port5000may be positioned on a movement path through which the nozzles1100move between the process position and the standby position.

Referring toFIGS.10and11, the standby port5000includes a nozzle receiving member5200and a pipe fixing member5400. In addition, the standby port5000may further include a drain member5600. The nozzle receiving member5200receives the nozzles1100standing by. The nozzle receiving member5200cleans the nozzles1100which are standing by and prevents the treatment liquid remaining in a discharge end of the nozzles1100from being cured.

Referring toFIGS.12and13, the nozzle receiving member5200includes a nozzle receiving unit5220, an anti-overflow hole5240, and an anti-movement groove (structure)5260.

The nozzle receiving unit5220is provided to receive the nozzle1100.

A plurality of nozzle receiving units5220are provided. For example, the nozzle receiving units5220may be provided in number corresponding to one-to-one to the number of nozzles1100. The nozzle receiving units5220are positioned independently from each other. Accordingly, particles produced from any one nozzle1100may be prevented from being influenced on another nozzle1100or the whole nozzles1100. When viewed from above, the nozzle receiving units5220may be positioned to be aligned in line with each other in one direction. For example, the plurality of nozzle receiving units5220may be aligned in line with each other along a longer side of the nozzle cleaning member5200.

Referring toFIG.15, a receiving space5221to receive the nozzle1100or a cleaning liquid is formed inside the nozzle receiving unit5220. The nozzle receiving unit5220has the shape of a cylinder facing the vertical direction. The nozzle receiving unit5220has the shape in which the width of the nozzle receiving unit5220is narrowed and widened again downward. The nozzle receiving unit5220has a nozzle cleaning unit5220aand a discharge unit5220b. The nozzle cleaning unit5220areceives the nozzle1100. The nozzle cleaning unit5220aprovides a space for cleaning the received nozzle1100. A tip of the nozzle110is dipped into the cleaning liquid ‘L’ to be cleaned, in the state in which the cleaning liquid ‘L’ is filled at a specific water level in the receiving space of the nozzle cleaning unit5220a, or the state in which a tip of the nozzle1100is moved down into the receiving space (5224) and the cleaning liquid is filled at the specific water level.

A plurality of nozzle cleaning units5220aare provided in the plurality of nozzle receiving units5220, respectively. The plurality of nozzle cleaning units5220aare provided in number corresponding one-to-one to the plurality of nozzles1100. The cleaning liquid ‘L’ is filled in the nozzle cleaning unit5220acorresponding to the nozzle1100to be cleaned, and a nozzle cleaning process is individually and selectively performed with respect to an individual nozzle1100.

The nozzle cleaning unit5220aincludes an upper body part5222, a first inclined part5223, a discharge end receiving part5224, and a second inclined part5225. The upper body part5222, the first inclined part5223, the discharge end receiving part5224, and the second inclined part5225are provided to extend sequentially downward. The upper body part5222is provided as an upper region of the nozzle cleaning unit5220a. The upper body part5222is provided to have a uniform width in the vertical direction. The upper body part5222and a lower body part5228to be described are provided to have a width greater than that of another part.

A discharge port5282is formed in an inner surface of the upper body part5222. The discharge port5282serves as a hole to discharge the cleaning liquid ‘L’ to the upper body part5222. A cleaning liquid supplying pipe5002is connected to the discharge port5282, and the cleaning liquid supplying pipe5002supplies the cleaning liquid from a storage tank (not illustrated) to the discharge port5282. For example, the cleaning liquid may be provided as a liquid for removing the treatment liquid and a foreign substance attached to the discharge end of the nozzle1100and a peripheral portion. The cleaning liquid may be a liquid including air bubbles. The cleaning liquid may include a thinner. The discharge port5282is positioned to overlap the nozzle tip1100when viewed from above.

The first inclined part5223has the shape of a cylinder extending downward from a lower end of the upper body part5222. The first inclined part5223is provided to have a width gradually reduced downward. The first inclined part5223primarily guides the liquid remaining in the receiving space5221to flow downward.

The discharge end receiving part5224has the shape of a cylinder extending downward from a lower end of the first inclined part5223. The discharge end receiving part5224is provided to have a uniform width in the vertical direction. The discharge end receiving part5224, which is a space for positioning the discharge end of the nozzle1100, is provided to have width greater than that of the nozzle1100.

The second inclined part5225extends downward from the lower end of the discharge end receiving part5224. The second inclined part5225is provided to have the shape of a cylinder having a width gradually narrowed downward. The first inclined part5223and the second inclined part5225may be provided to have a tilt angle ranging from 30 degrees to 60 degrees from the ground, respectively.

The discharge unit5220bis disposed under the nozzle cleaning unit5220a. The discharge unit5220bcommunicates with the nozzle cleaning unit5220a. The discharge unit5220bdischarges the cleaning liquid after cleaning the nozzle in the nozzle cleaning unit5220a, downward. The discharge unit5220bincludes a first port5226and a second port5227. The discharge unit5220bmay further include the lower body part5228. The first port5226, the second port5227, and the lower body part5228extend sequentially downward.

The first port5226has the shape of a cylinder extending downward from a lower end of the second inclined part5225. The first port5226is provided to have a smaller width than that of another part. For example, the width of the first port5226may be provided to be greater than the inner diameter of the discharge end of the nozzle1100. In addition, the first port5226is provided to have a length shorter than that of another part in the vertical length. For example, the length of the first port5226in the vertical direction may be provided to be less than the inner diameter of the discharge end of the nozzle1100. The length of the first port5226may prevent air bubbles passing through the first port5226from flowing back and flowing up.

The second port5227has the shape of a cylinder extending downward from a lower end of the first port5226. The second port5227has the shape of a cylinder having a width widened downward. The second port5227is formed to be inclined with respect to the extending direction of the first port5226. In this case, the angle Θ between the first port5226and the second port5227may have a range greater than 90° and less than 180°. Accordingly, the air bubbles passing through the first port5226burst or are made be larger, to be prevented from flowing back.

The lower body part5228has the shape of a cylinder extending downward from a lower end of the second port5227. The lower body part5228is provided to have a uniform width in the vertical direction. For example, the lower body part5228may have the same width as that of the upper body part5222. A discharge line (not illustrated) is connected to the lower body part5228. The discharge line discharges the cleaning liquid transferred to the lower body part5228to the outside. A valve is mounted on the discharge line to open or close the discharge line.

A controller (not illustrated) controls the valve mounted on the discharge line. The controller controls the valve to close the discharge line in the middle of discharging the cleaning liquid ‘L’ such that the cleaning liquid ‘L’ is filled in the receiving space5221. Accordingly, the discharge end of the nozzle1100is dipped into the cleaning liquid ‘L’ filled in the receiving space5221such that the discharge end is cleaned.

Referring toFIGS.12to14, the nozzle receiving member5200includes the anti-overflow hole5240. The anti-overflow hole5240is formed, as a top surface5202of the nozzle receiving member5200is recessed. The sectional area of the anti-overflow hole5240is smaller than or similar to that of the nozzle receiving unit5220. The anti-overflow hole5240communicates with the nozzle cleaning unit5220a. A plurality of anti-overflow holes5240are provided. The plurality of anti-overflow holes5240are provided in number corresponding one-to-one to the number of the plurality of nozzle receiving units5220a. The anti-overflow holes5240communicate with the plurality of nozzle cleaning units5220ain a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of a plurality of nozzle cleaning units5220a. The anti-overflow hole5240prevents the cleaning liquid and photoresist, which are filled in the receiving space5221, from overflowing out of the top of the receiving space5221. In addition, the anti-overflow hole5240adjusts the water level of the cleaning liquid ‘L’ filled in the nozzle cleaning unit5220a. Accordingly, the anti-overflow hole5240is formed to have a length corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the nozzle cleaning unit5220a. The anti-overflow holes5240is provided at an opposite side of the discharge port5282.

Referring toFIG.12, a stepped part5230is interposed between the anti-overflow hole5240and the nozzle receiving unit5220. The stepped part5230forms a passage for allowing the anti-overflow hole5240and the nozzle receiving unit5220to communicate with each other. The stepped part5230forms a communication path between the upper body part5222of the nozzle receiving unit5220and the anti-overflow hole5240. When viewed from above, the stepped part5230is provided to protrude inward from the upper body part5222and the anti-overflow hole5240. The stepped part5230is provided to protrude upward from a portion in which the upper body part5222and the first inclined part5223are connected to each other. Accordingly, the cleaning liquid ‘L’ discharged from the discharge port5282may be induced to be first filled in the nozzle cleaning unit5220a.

The anti-movement groove (structure)5260is recessed upward from a bottom surface5204of the nozzle receiving member5200. The anti-movement groove (structure)5260is formed to extend along an outer circumference of the nozzle receiving unit5220and the anti-overflow hole5240. In more detail, the anti-movement groove (structure)5260extends along the circumference of the lower body part5228of the discharge unit5220band the anti-overflow hole5240. The anti-movement groove (structure)5260prevents the cleaning liquid from moving left or right, when the cleaning liquid ‘L’ is drained, thereby preventing the drain rate from being lagged.

FIG.16is a view illustrating that the nozzle receiving member and the pipe fixing member ofFIG.10are coupled to each other.FIG.17is a view schematically illustrating the procedure in which the nozzle receiving member and the pipe fixing member ofFIG.16are coupled to each other.

Referring toFIG.16, the nozzle receiving member5200includes a discharge part5280. The discharge part5280is provided in the side surface of the nozzle receiving member5200. The discharge part5280protrudes from the side surface of the nozzle receiving member5200. A cleaning liquid supplying pipe5002is coupled to the discharge part5280. The cleaning liquid flowing through the cleaning liquid supplying pipe5002is discharged to the receiving space5221through the discharge part5280.

The discharge part5280includes a coupling part5286into which the cleaning liquid supplying pipe5002is inserted, and coupled to the pipe fixing member5400. The coupling part5286protrudes from the side surface of the nozzle receiving member5200. The coupling part5286includes a first part5286ahaving a first width, and a second part5286bextending from the first part5286aand having a width less than the first width. The width of the second part5286bof the coupling part5286is reduced in a direction away from the first part. A discharge fluid passage5284through which the cleaning liquid discharged from the cleaning liquid supplying pipe5002flows is formed inside the coupling part5286. The discharge port5282is positioned in the end of the discharge fluid passage5284. The discharge port5282is provided in the side surface of the nozzle cleaning unit5220a. The discharge port5282is provided in the inner surface of the upper body part5222. The width of the discharge port5282is provided to overlap a portion of the end of the nozzle1100received in the nozzle receiving unit5220. Accordingly, the cleaning liquid ‘L’ discharged from the discharge port5282rotates along the outer circumferential surface of the nozzle1100to move to a surface, which is opposite to the discharge direction of the cleaning liquid ‘L’ of the outer circumferential surface of the nozzle1100. In this case, the entire surface of the nozzle1100may be uniformly cleaned.

Referring toFIGS.16and17, the pipe fixing member5400is coupled to the nozzle receiving member5200. The pipe fixing member5400is coupled to one side of the nozzle receiving member5200. The pipe fixing member5400fixes the cleaning liquid supplying pipe5002to supply the cleaning liquid ‘L’ to the nozzle receiving member5200. The pipe fixing member5400includes a pipe insertion hole5420and an anti-leakage groove (structure)5440.

The pipe insertion hole5420is formed through two side surfaces of the pipe fixing member5400. The cleaning liquid supplying pipe5002is inserted into the pipe insertion hole5420. The diameter of the pipe insertion hole5420is equal to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the cleaning liquid supplying pipe5002. The diameter of the pipe insertion hole5420is provided to be less than the diameter of the end of the second part5286bof the coupling part5286. The diameter of the pipe insertion hole5420is provided to be less than the minimum width of the second part5286bof the coupling part5286. Accordingly, when the nozzle receiving member5200and the pipe fixing member5400are completely coupled to each other, the end of the coupling part5286is pressed into the pipe insertion hole5420to prevent the cleaning liquid ‘L’ from leaking.

The anti-leakage groove (structure)5440is formed in the inner surface of the pipe insertion hole5420. The anti-leakage groove (structure)5440is formed in a part, to which the coupling part5286is coupled, of the inner surface of the pipe insertion hole5420. The anti-leakage groove (structure)5440is provided to have a diameter greater than a diameter of the pipe insertion hole5420. The anti-leakage groove (structure)5440may be provided to have a diameter equal to or slightly greater than the diameter of the first part5286aof the coupling part5286. The anti-leakage groove (structure)5440may be provided to have a diameter greater than the maximum diameter of the second part5286bof the coupling part5286. The anti-leakage groove (structure)5440includes a first surface5442positioned outside the inner surface of the pipe insertion hole5420and a second surface5444to link the inner surface of the pipe insertion hole5420to the first surface5442. The first surface5442is provided to be parallel to the inner surface of the pipe insertion hole5420, and the second surface5444is provided to be perpendicular to the inner surface of the pipe insertion hole5420. When the nozzle receiving member5200and the pipe fixing member5400are coupled to each other, a point P1, at which the inner surface of the pipe insertion hole5420and the second surface5444are linked to each other, makes contact with the coupling part5286and is pressurized, thereby preventing the cleaning liquid ‘L’ from leaking. When the nozzle receiving member5200and the pipe fixing member5400are coupled to each other, the point P1, at which the inner surface of the pipe insertion hole5420and the second surface5444are linked to each other, makes contact with the cleaning liquid supplying pipe5002, thereby preventing the cleaning liquid ‘L’ from leaking.

FIG.18is a view schematically illustrating a process of cleaning a nozzle in a standby port according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

Referring toFIG.18, the discharge port5282is positioned eccentrically from the center of the nozzle1100. When viewed from above, the discharge port5282is provided to partially overlap the nozzle1100. In this case, the cleaning liquid discharged from the discharge port5282may flow along the outer circumferential surface of the facing nozzle1100to clean the entire surface of the nozzle1100.

Hereinafter, a method for treating the substrate by using the above-described substrate treating apparatus1will be described.

Hereinafter, a method for treating the substrate by using the above-described substrate treating apparatus1will be described. The method for treating the substrate includes treating a liquid and cleaning the nozzle1100. In the treating of the liquid, the nozzle1100is positioned to the process position to supply the treatment liquid onto the substrate. When the treatment liquid is completely supplied, the nozzle1100stops supplying the treatment liquid and the cleaning of the nozzle110is performed.

The cleaning of the nozzle1100includes forming a first gas layer, cleaning the discharge end of the nozzle, forming a liquid layer, and forming a second gas layer. In the forming of the first gas layer, before moving the nozzle1100from the process position to the standby position, the treatment liquid, which is positioned at the discharge end of the nozzle110, is sucked back to be moved in a direction opposite to the discharge direction of the treatment liquid. When an end of the treatment liquid is positioned to be higher than the discharge end of the nozzle1100, the nozzle1100is moved to the standby position.

In the step of cleaning the discharge end, the discharge end of the nozzle1100is positioned to be inserted into the receiving space52221such that the discharge end of the nozzle1100is dipped into the cleaning liquid ‘L’ filled in the receiving space5221. In this case, the discharge line is maintained to be closed to prevent the water level of the cleaning liquid ‘L’ from being changed. The discharge end of the nozzle1100is cleaned by the cleaning liquid ‘L’. Since the first gas layer is formed between the discharge end of the nozzle1100and the end of the treatment liquid, the cleaning liquid ‘L’ is prevented from being introduced into the nozzle1100. When the discharge end of the nozzle1100and the peripheral portion of the nozzle1100are completely cleaned, the forming of the liquid layer is performed.

In the forming of the liquid layer, the cleaning liquid ‘L’ received in the receiving space5221is suctioned. Accordingly, the treatment liquid and the first gas layer provided in the nozzle1100are sucked back together, and the liquid layer is formed by the cleaning liquid ‘L’ at a position spaced apart from the treatment liquid. The liquid layer made by the cleaning liquid ‘L’ may be partially volatilized to prevent the end of the treatment liquid from being cured.

When the forming of the liquid layer is completed, the discharge line is open to discharge the cleaning liquid ‘L’ filled in the receiving space5221. When the cleaning liquid ‘L’ is discharged, an inner part of the nozzle1100is suctioned to form the second gas layer. The second gas layer is formed between the discharge end of the nozzle1100and the liquid layer. Accordingly, the treatment liquid, the first gas layer, the liquid layer, and the second gas layer may be sequentially formed downward inside the nozzle1100.

According to the inventive concept, the plurality of nozzles may be individually and selectively cleaned.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the entire surface of the nozzle may be cleaned.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the nozzle may be prevented from being contaminated while the nozzle is standing by.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the cleaning liquid for the nozzle may be prevented from leaking from the supplying pipe to supply the cleaning liquid to the standby port.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the water level of the cleaning liquid received in the standby port may be adjusted, and the cleaning liquid may be prevented from overflowing out of the standby port.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the inventive concept, when the cleaning liquid is discharged after the cleaning process is performed, the discharge rate may be prevented from lagged.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the photoresist in the nozzle pipe may be prevented from being cured.

The effects produced in the inventive concept are not limited to the aforementioned effects, and any other effects not mentioned herein will be clearly understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings by those skilled in the art to which the inventive concept pertains.

The above description has been made for the illustrative purpose. Furthermore, the above-mentioned contents describe an embodiment of the inventive concept, and the inventive concept may be used in various other combinations, changes, and environments. That is, the inventive concept can be modified and corrected without departing from the scope of the inventive concept that is disclosed in the specification, the equivalent scope to the written disclosures, and/or the technical or knowledge range of those skilled in the art. The written embodiment describes the best state for implementing the technical spirit of the inventive concept, and various changes required in the detailed application fields and purposes of the inventive concept can be made. The written embodiment describes the best state for implementing the technical spirit of the inventive concept, and various changes required in the detailed application fields and purposes of the inventive concept can be made. Furthermore, it should be construed that the attached claims include other embodiments.

While the inventive concept has been described with reference to embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventive concept. Therefore, it should be understood that the above embodiments are not limiting, but illustrative.