Patent ID: 7780391

Claim:
A substrate processing apparatus comprising: at least one processing chamber for applying a process to a substrate housed therein; a conveyance case for housing a substrate in a state isolated from an outside atmosphere, having an entry port for conveying in/conveying out a substrate and a transfer mechanism for conveying in/out a substrate through the entry port; a conveyance case attachment mechanism connected to the processing chamber and including a transfer mechanism drive source; a conveying chamber including a rail part extending in longitudinal direction thereof; and a conveying mechanism for carrying the conveyance case to a first position for conveying in/conveying out a substrate to the processing chamber; wherein the conveyance case is supported detachably by the conveying mechanism, wherein the entry port is configured to hermetically engage the conveyance case attachment mechanism when the conveyance case is carried to the first position, wherein the transfer mechanism drive source is configured to drive the transfer mechanism when the entry port hermetically engages the conveyance case attachment mechanism, the conveying mechanism includes a vertically retractable arm part configured to hoist the conveyance case and release the conveyance case with a grip part provided at a distal end thereof; wherein the conveying mechanism is attached to the rail part and configured to travel inside the conveying chamber along the rail part.